Signing system to help children with communication difficulties

28/9/94

A signing system known as Makaton is set to help young children suffering from communication difficulties.

The Makaton signing system manual was launched today by Disability Services Minister Kevin Minson at the Girrawheen Child Care Centre.

The Minister said the system meant many children with speaking difficulties stemming from intellectual problems or deafness, would be able to communicate for the first time.

"Makaton is a signing system used to assist children develop communication skills and uses visual as well as auditory messages," Mr Minson said.

The signs used in Makaton are based on the natural signs used by the Australian deaf community and cover basic concepts such as eating, sleeping, family, colours and animals.

Specific signs are individually tailored to the needs and abilities of each child.

"In the past children with communication difficulties were often not able to attend local schools," Mr Minson said.

"This system gives these children a chance to not only become members of their local community but also to attend regular child care or pre-primary.

"The Makaton system has the capability of opening an entirely new world for some of these children and it is wonderful to see staff and children go out of their way to include children with communication difficulties.

"As a result these children gain so much more through increased opportunities to learn and by being able to join in activities and to make friends."

Mr Minson said the Disability Services Commission and the Girrawheen Child Care Centre had combined with Makaton Australia to produce a practical manual for use by centres with children battling communication problems.

"I hope many more centre will follow the example set by Girrawheen of including children with specific needs in programs," he said.

"While Makaton is also used with older children and in some instances adults, it is most commonly used with very young children where it is also considered to be a valuable tool in improving speech development."

Media contact: Caroline Lacy  222 9595