Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Inclusive Communication in Sport - Delivering Visual Communication Training at UCWISE Bristol

This week, I had the fantastic opportunity to deliver a Makaton taster and Visual Communication Training to sports students at UCWISE for the 2nd year!

It was an engaging and interactive session focused on the importance of inclusive communication within sport and physical activity settings. As more organisations and education providers recognise the value of accessibility and inclusion, it’s encouraging to see future sports professionals developing their understanding of how communication impacts participation, confidence and wellbeing.

Why Inclusive Communication Matters in Sport

Sport should be accessible to everyone, yet for many children and adults with speech, language, and communication needs, barriers can still exist.

Inclusive communication strategies—such as using Makaton signs, visuals, gestures, and clear communication techniques—can make activities more accessible, reduce anxiety, and help individuals feel included and understood.

During the session, we explored how communication is just as important as physical ability when it comes to creating positive and supportive sporting environments.

Exploring Makaton and Visual Communication in Practice

One of the highlights of the session was seeing students actively apply visual communication strategies within sports-based activities.

Through practical tasks and discussions, students explored how using visuals and key Makaton signs could support understanding during games, instructions, teamwork, and transitions between activities.

The students quickly recognised that simple communication adaptations can have a huge impact on participation and engagement for individuals who may need additional support with communication.

It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and willingness to think creatively about how inclusive practice can be embedded into coaching, teaching, and sports leadership roles.

How Makaton Can Support Communication in Sports

Makaton can play an important role in supporting communication during sports and physical activities by helping individuals to:

• Understand instructions more clearly

• Build confidence when participating in activities

• Reduce frustration and communication barriers

• Feel included within group environments

• Develop independence and social interaction skills

Visual communication strategies can also support routines, transitions, emotional regulation and teamwork within sports sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Makaton in Sport

Can Makaton be used in sports coaching?

Yes. Makaton signs and symbols can support communication during coaching sessions, PE lessons and sports activities by making instructions clearer and more accessible.

Who benefits from visual communication strategies in sport?

Visual communication can support children and adults with speech, language and communication needs, autism, learning disabilities, anxiety or processing difficulties—but many strategies benefit all participants.

Do sports coaches need formal Makaton training?

Formal training is beneficial because it helps coaches and staff use signs and symbols accurately and confidently within real-life situations.

Why are visuals important in sports sessions?

Visuals can reinforce spoken instructions, support understanding, improve routine and structure and help participants process information more effectively.

Can inclusive communication improve participation in sport?

Absolutely. When communication becomes more accessible, individuals are more likely to engage confidently, feel included and enjoy participating in activities.

Top Tips for Using Inclusive Communication in Sport

• Use simple and clear language alongside visuals

• Introduce key Makaton signs for common instructions

• Demonstrate activities visually where possible

• Use consistent routines and visual supports

• Encourage patience, inclusion and teamwork throughout activities

  
  

Proud to have delivered training for lots of sports organisations

Over the last three years I have had the pleasure of delivering training across many sports organisations including Somerset Sports and Activities Partnership, Somerset Cricket Foundation and Bristol Sports Foundation amongst others. Makaton training has always been so very well received and its wonderful to have been invited back for a second year to UCWISE to train our sports professionals of the future, how fantastic that funding has been made available by UCWISE for this invaluable training.

Final Thoughts

Delivering this session at UCWISE was a fantastic reminder that inclusive communication belongs in every environment—including sport.

Seeing students embrace visual communication strategies and recognise the importance of supporting communication needs within physical activity settings was incredibly encouraging. Small changes in communication can make a significant difference to someone’s confidence, participation, and overall experience.

Creating inclusive sporting environments starts with communication, understanding, and a willingness to adapt—and these students demonstrated all three brilliantly.

Let’s Connect

Have you used Makaton or visual communication strategies within sport, coaching or physical activity settings?

I’d love to hear about your experiences and ideas for making sports environments more inclusive for everyone.