Makaton Flashmob, Raising Awareness.
Ealing Mencap participated in a makaton flashmob at Ealing Broadway shopping Centre, joining forces with West London NHS Trust, to raise awareness for children’s speech and language therapy.
During the event, approximately 100 ‘’flash mobbers’’ from across Ealing took over the market stall area of the centre and signed in unison to the iconic Queen song, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’. In true flashmob style, we performed in front of a slew of unsuspecting shoppers who celebrated in awe and support.
Action shot of everyone signing to the song.
What is makaton?
Makaton is the UK’s leading language program for adults and children with learning or communication difficulties. It is a communication tool that uses symbols, signs and speech, giving visual cues to help people to communicate.
At Ealing Mencap, we promote the use of makaton from staff and customers as we believe that being able to communicate is one of the most important skills and for people with a learning disability, this can be a greater challenge. Ealing Mencap staff have completed their Level 1 training in makaton and are now transferring these skills to our customers who are quickly learning the signs and using makaton to communicate.
Is it possible that you too could learn makaton to promote inclusive communication? See our Independence Development Worker, Peter, demonstrate some valuable signs that may help you when communicating with someone with a learning disability.
Videos of makaton
Video 1 : Makaton Sign for Yes
Video 2: Makaton Sign for Thank you
Video 3: Makaton Sign for How are you?
Resources
Our customers at Ealing Mencap had a great time supporting West London NHS Trust at the makaton flashmob! It is amazing to watch communities come together to support a cause. To find out more about Speech and Language awareness month click HERE.
To learn more about using makaton, here are some useful resources:
- The Makaton Charity
- What is makaton?
- For videos demonstrating makaton: Makaton with Lucinda
Thank you for reading, please share to raise awareness.
Makaton sign for Thank You
