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MAKATON Victoria: Basic and Refresher Workshops

MAKATON Victoria conducts basic workshops across Melbourne and in some country areas of Victoria.

The MAKATON Vocabulary uses Key Word Sign and Gesture to support communication, and is a means of encouraging language development in children and adults with communication difficulties

What is MAKATON?

MAKATON is comprised of a small vocabulary of specially selected concepts/ideas graded in complexity, which are considered to be most appropriate for the needs of children and adults with communication and language difficulties.

At the initial stage is the introduction of vocabulary required to support interaction and to express basic ideas. More complex concepts are introduced in subsequent stages.

The aim is to ensure that even if limited learning ability and poor retention prevent an individual progressing beyond the initial stages, then he or she will have acquired useful, though limited communication.

For those with more developed abilities, the MAKATON program is used as a facilitator to develop broader communication and language skills.

The features of MAKATON :

• Use of speech and sign concurrently
• Signing key words (but saying the whole sentence)
• Some use of finger spelling
• Visual strategies - body language, facial expression, directionality and placement
• Use of Auslan signs and natural gesture

How is MAKATON taught?

Makaton is taught by :

• The vocabulary is generally taught with speech and signs but, if required, speech + signs + symbols (line drawings) may be used in combination
• When manual signs are used, they are derived from Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN), which is the cultural language of the deaf community
• Key words only are signed in spoken word order and accompanied by normal grammatical speech
• MAKATON also incorporates many visual strategies such as body language and facial expression which usually reinforce the meaning of what is being communicated
• The social aspects of language are also stressed by MAKATON with particular reference to daily living situations.

Signing input at MAKATON Basic Workshops is usually provided in two sessions. These enable the participants to develop some basic receptive and expressive signing skills and to practise the use of signs with short phrases and sentences in a supportive small group environment.

For further information contact:

Makaton Victoria
Ph: 61 3 9899 8684
Fax: 61 3 9899 8684

Email: crc@scopevic.org.au