Makaton
At Daventry Hill, we have staff who use Makaton to support communication with some students.
Makaton is a language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. Almost everything we do involves communication; everyday tasks such as learning at school, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends and having fun. These all rely on our ability to communicate with each other.
With Makaton, signs are used, with speech, in spoken word order. This helps provide extra clues about what someone is saying. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. Using symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot, or prefer not to sign.
Makaton symbols and signs provide a visual representation of language which increases understanding and makes expressive communication easier. Most students using Makaton will naturally stop using the signs and symbols as they no longer need them. However, some may find it useful throughout their lives.