Learning Makaton can open up wonderful opportunities for connection — but it can also feel lonely if those around you aren’t joining in. Makaton users sometimes feel isolated even within their own families or friendship groups, not because people don’t care, but because they aren’t sure how to help.
The good news is: you don’t have to be an expert. Just a handful of signs, used consistently, can make someone feel included, understood, and valued
Why it matters
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Communication is a two-way street – it works best when everyone takes part. When family and friends join in, it reduces loneliness.
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Inclusion builds confidence – when others use signs, even just a few, it shows that communication matters. Makaton users are more likely to sign if they know someone will respond.
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Support makes a difference – family and friends set the tone for inclusion and make it easier for others (teachers, carers, peers) to follow their lead.
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Small steps add up – you don’t need to know every sign. Starting with just a few key ones can have a big impact.
Simple ways family and friends can join in
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Start with the basics – try hello, goodbye, more, finished, drink, thank you.
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Use signs at key moments – mealtimes, greetings, story time, or when watching TV together.
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Pair speech with signs – say the word and make the sign at the same time.
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Join in with songs or rhymes – shared music makes learning signs natural and fun.
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Label your environment with symbols – stick a few up around the house as reminders.
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Make it playful – watch a video together and copy along with a signed song or story. Singing Hands and Mr Tumble are fantastic resources.
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Ask what’s important – focus on signs that matter most to the person, such as a favourite food, hobby, or place.
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Celebrate effort, not perfection – it’s about joining in, not “getting it right.”
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Practise together – repeat signs in everyday chats, even casually.
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Show encouragement – a smile, nod, or thumbs-up when someone signs goes a long way.
Final thought
Makaton is most powerful when it’s shared. Even a few signs, used with warmth and consistency, can transform how connected someone feels in their own family or friendship group. Using just one or two signs regularly says: “I want to communicate with you, and you matter.”
So if you’re not sure where to start, pick one sign today and use it. Little by little, those shared moments will build confidence, reduce isolation, and strengthen bonds.
Inclusion isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about making sure no one feels left out.