Makaton signers and interpreters

Pearl Linguistics provides Makaton Interpreters (also knows as Makaton Signers).

Makaton Signing and Interpreting uses a method of sign language designed to provide a means of communication to individuals who cannot communicate efficiently by speaking. Makaton has been effectively used with individuals who have cognitive impairments, autism, Down's syndrome, specific language impairment, multisensory impairment and acquired neurological disorders that have negatively affected the ability to communicate.

Through the use of Makaton, children and adults can interact with others, be included in everyday life, take part in education, access information and services and fulfil their potential.

How did Makaton start?

The Vocabulary Project was originally devised in the 1970's by Margaret Walker MBE, Speech Therapist, as a practical research project to provide communication for adults living in hospital, who were deaf and had severe learning difficulties.

Following this, it was revised and expanded for use in the community with children and adults with a broad range of language and communication problems. It is now in wide spread use in Schools, Hospitals, Training and Social Education Centres, and in the homes of children and adults who have communication difficulties due to learning difficulties, multi-sensory difficulties, physical disability, autism and other specific communication problems.

Where do the signs come from?

The signs are derived from British Sign Language (BSL), which is the cultural language of the Deaf Community.

When using Makaton, key words are only signed in spoken word order. These are accompanied by normal, grammatical speech. This means that basic information is given in a very visual way.

This often allows a child or adult to understand much more of what is spoken and so reduces frustration. It has been shown to positively encourage the development of spoken language.

The Makaton Vocabulary:

Is a complete method of communication using speech, signs and written symbols. Helps adults and children with learning difficulties and communication problems. Offers a core vocabulary of signs and symbols and an additional resource vocabulary.

If you need Makaton Signers and Interpreters , call us today on +44 (0)20 7253 7700 or email us at info@pearllinguistics.com.

We guarantee to get back to you within 30 minutes. You will be provided with a “no obligation” quote and will be able to see just how competitive we are.