Blog written by Richard Harvey, Clinical Programmes Lead 
The International Day of Sign Languages, celebrated annually on September 23rd, is a testament to the global recognition of the vital role sign languages play in the lives of millions of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals worldwide. This day holds immense significance, particularly for the deaf community, as it not only promotes linguistic diversity but also underscores the importance of communication and engagement. Sign languages, in their own right, are complete and unique natural languages with structural differences from spoken languages. Additionally, there exists an international sign language, serving as a communication bridge for deaf individuals during international gatherings and social interactions, albeit in a simpler form compared to natural sign languages. The International agreement on the rights of disabled people recognises the significance of sign languages, placing them on equal footing with spoken languages and obligating participating states to facilitate the learning of sign language and uphold the linguistic identity of the Deaf community. One prominent form of sign language that has garnered attention for its impact on individuals with diverse learning disabilities is Makaton.
The International Day of Sign Languages is an occasion to celebrate and advocate for the linguistic and cultural identities of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. It is an opportunity to emphasise that sign languages are not mere alternatives to spoken languages but fully functional and expressive natural languages. According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are over 70 million deaf people globally, with the majority residing in developing countries, collectively using more than 300 distinct sign languages.
Makaton: Bridging Communication Barriers:
One of the prominent sign languages making a difference in the lives of individuals with diverse learning disabilities is Makaton. Makaton is a communication system that combines signs, symbols, and speech to aid individuals in expressing themselves effectively. It originated in the late 1970s in the United Kingdom and has since gained widespread recognition and adoption.
Statistics reveal that Makaton has a significant impact on a broad spectrum of individuals with diverse learning disabilities, including global developmental delay, autism, and various cognitive impairments. Approximately 100,000 individuals in the UK alone use Makaton, and Mencap state that over 1 million people use it worldwide.
The Makaton website features a word of the week as an introduction to the language. See the video below to learn the word ‘children’ in Makaton!
Occupational Therapy Perspective: Communication and Engagement:
From an Occupational Therapy perspective, effective communication and engagement are fundamental to an individual’s overall well-being and quality of life. For individuals with global developmental delay, autism, or learning disabilities, achieving meaningful communication can be particularly challenging. Makaton bridges this gap, enabling them to express their needs, emotions, and thoughts, ultimately enhancing their participation in daily life activities.
It is crucial to recognise that individuals with the mentioned conditions may also experience physical disabilities, including difficulties with posture and mobility. This is where postural management and specialised seating come into play. Maintaining a comfortable and supportive seated position is vital for their physical well-being. However, it’s also important to consider how using their hands for communication can be hindered when they need their arms to support themselves in a seated position.
When individuals are unable to use their hands for communication due to postural challenges, it can be an isolating and frustrating experience. This isolation extends to engagement in activities of daily living and meaningful occupations. Occupational therapists often find themselves at the forefront of addressing these challenges, working to find solutions that support both physical comfort and effective communication.
Conclusion:
The International Day of Sign Languages stands as a testament to the importance of fostering linguistic diversity and promoting communication for the deaf community and individuals with diverse learning disabilities. Makaton plays a crucial role in bridging communication barriers, enhancing engagement, and facilitating participation in daily life activities. From an Occupational Therapy perspective, addressing physical disabilities and postural management is essential for the holistic well-being of individuals with global developmental delay, autism, and learning disabilities. Ensuring they can use their hands for communication without physical hindrances is a critical step towards enabling meaningful engagement and improving their overall quality of life.
If you are considering learning more about Makaton or Sign Language to develop skills in communications the Makaton Website and the National Deaf Children’s Society Website have a number of helpful resources and course that can be undertaken.
References:
https://makaton.org/TMC/TMC/About_Makaton/How_Makaton_Works.aspx
https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/language-and-communication/sign-language/
https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day
