College helps people learn Makaton while fundraising

National Star student Jak has become a "Makaton Master"

A specialist further education college is challenging children and adults to learn the sign and symbol based language system, Makaton.

A number of students at The National Star College in Ullenwood use Makaton to assist their speaking, while others use it as their primary form of communication.

Student Jak, 20, from the Forest of Dean, is a "Makaton Master" and has grown in confidence since learning it, the college said.

The college is now helping people who have been sponsored to learn basic Makaton throughout May, in a bid to also raise funds for the college.

It said there is no fundraising target, but "every penny raised will go towards supporting young people with complex disabilities".

Student Union president Jak said Makaton helps him communicate, but that not many of his friends use the system.

Speech and language therapist Emily Lewis said the system is "easier to learn" than British Sign Language (BSL).

Ms Lewis added: "Jak has been here for four years and I've been working with him the whole time he's been here and he has completed the Makaton level one training with me."

Emily Lewis has been working with Jak for several years

She said that since Jak began using Makaton, his confidence has grown and he regularly enjoys showing what he can sign as well as signing assemblies so that other students can understand.

"Jak was a brilliant signer when he first arrived but was a little reluctant to sign with his peers," Ms Lewis said.

"Now, he's grown so much more confident with speaking in his groups, with his peers and with new staff members. He's just been able to interact more with a lot more people.

"We have our leavers' ceremony and Jak has helped sign parts of that for students so it is more accessible."

'Simplified system'

Ms Lewis said Makaton is a "more simplified system" compared to British Sign Language.

"Makaton is easier to learn the system and it has set symbols as well as the signs, so you can learn the symbols and signs alongside them.

"You're using a total communication approach and you've got those things to anchor it as well, so the meaning of the word is understood when you're saying it, when you're signing it and when you're seeing the symbol."

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