Makaton (trademark) is a system of communication based on a combination of spoken words, sign language vocabulary (originally adapted from British Sign Language), and graphic symbols. It is primarily used as a communication medium by children and adults with complex communication needs, generally associated with a physical or intellectual disability. Makaton Keyword Sign and Gesture is used in over 40 countries world wide. In each country the Key Word Signs that are used are borrowed from the sign language of that country's deaf community. Bearing this in mind, Makaton Keyword Signing varies from country to country and can also vary from state to state within each country. A sign language (also signed language) is a language which uses manual communication instead of sound to convey meaning - simultaneously combining handshapes, orientation and movement of the hands, arms or body, and facial expressions to fluidly express a speakers thoughts. ... British sign language (BSL) is the sign language used in the United Kingdom (UK). ...
Makaton (trademark) is a system of communication that uses a vocabulary of "key word" manualsigns and gestures to support speech, as well as graphic symbols to support the written word.
Makaton was developed in the early 1970s in the UK for communication with residents of a large hospital who were both deaf and intellectually disabled.
Makaton is run by the MVDP (Makaton Vocabulary Development Project) which controls the copyright to Makaton and depends on the associated income for its funding.
Makaton is a communication programme based around a core vocabulary, using speech, signs and/or symbols.
The Makaton Core Vocabulary was designed to be a small vocabulary of concepts enabling children and adults to better understand our speech, and for them to initiate using useful communication with others.
Makaton is used widely in New Zealand with pre-schoolers through to the adults, by parents and carers, teachers, Speech Language Therapists and many others.
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