Makaton is a communication programme based around a core vocabulary, using speech, signs and/or symbols. The Makaton Core Vocabulary was designed to be a small vocabulary of concepts enabling children and adults to better understand our speech, and for them to initiate using useful communication with others.

The signs are from New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) the natural language of the Deaf Community in New Zealand. When signs are used with Makaton they are used in the order of spoken English to enable us to sign and speak at the same time.

The symbols have been especially designed for Makaton.

Combining signs and/or symbols with speech has been shown to be very effective for many children and adults. Makaton is used widely in New Zealand with pre-schoolers through to the adults, by parents and carers, teachers, Speech Language Therapists and many others.

Makaton has also been adapted for use in over 50 other countries.

Makaton New Zealand/Aotearoa (MNZ/A) is a charitable trust. It provides information and training through a network of Makaton Tutors through many centres in New Zealand.