Makaton has changed and developed considerably since the original research that led to the creation of the Core Vocabulary in the early 1970s.

From the first Makaton workshop in 1976 to the introduction of symbols, new training pathways, online workshops and digital resources, its history reflects more than 50 years of development in communication support.

Explore some of the key milestones in the history of Makaton below.

1972 /1973

Original research resulting in the design of the Makaton Core Vocabulary based on functional need took place at Botley's Park Hospital in Surrey

1976

Makaton Core Vocabulary established

First Makaton training workshop held, establishing the Makaton Language Programme and use of signing

The Makaton Vocabulary Development Project (MVDP) established as a non-profit organisation

Makaton Symbols Working Party founded

1978

First Makaton Tutor Training Course was held

1980 

Work started on Makaton Resource Vocabulary

1981

The Makaton Language Programme began to be used overseas

1983

The MVDP became a Registered Charitable Trust

1985

Makaton Core Vocabulary Symbols published, enabling multi-modal use of signs and symbols

 

1991 

Children in Need funded the development of the Makaton Nursery Rhymes DVD

1992

The MVDP received the Jerwood Award for significant contribution to Special Education

1996

Makaton Core Vocabulary updated, enlarged and revised

Makaton signs and symbols published for the computer

Makaton website established (makaton.org)

1997

First Makaton Distance Learning Pack published

Margaret Walker awarded MBE for services to Health Care

1998

MVDP awarded Business Enterprise Award for innovation and business acumen

1999

Makaton used in over 40 countries around the world

2000

The Makaton Dental Book received British Dental Award 2000 for Community Initiatives

Number of qualified Makaton Tutors in UK reached 800

2001

25th anniversary since first Makaton workshop held

2003

BBC Something Special received Royal Television Society Award for Early Years

2004

‘Makaton’ added to the Oxford English dictionary

Something Special programme awarded for second time the Royal Television Society Award for Early Years

2005

Something Special nominated for a BAFTA Award

2006

Makaton online shop opened

2007

The Makaton Charity established and MVDP transferred to The Makaton Charity

2008

The Ministry of Justice Secretary of State’s Report on Disability Equality stated “Using Makaton signage is one example of the type of adjustments that can be made and which can have a significant impact of giving people with learning disabilities increased confidence to navigate more independently around the courts.”

 

2010

Number of licensed Makaton Tutors reached 1,000

Information about Makaton included in display at V&A Museum of Childhood

Something Special awarded British Academy Children’s Award for Pre-School Live Action

Something Special presenter, Justin Fletcher, awarded British Academy Children’s Award for Best Presenter

2011

35 years since first Makaton workshop held

Something Special awarded Best Pre-School Programme at the Broadcast Awards

Started working with Something Special Magazine

2012

UK Department of Education research showed that Makaton is the most used intervention with children age 0–2 years, used by 82% of Speech and Language Therapists

Using Makaton with Singing officially launched.

2013

Makaton Friendly Scheme launched

Makaton worked with the Welsh Government to produce the Core Vocabulary in Welsh

2014

95% of people rated Makaton training as good or excellent

95% of Makaton users have learning, communication or physical difficulties

Makaton Approaches to Safeguarding officially launched.

2015

Makaton Friendly organisations reached 300

2016

The Makaton Charity rebranded and developed a new look

40 years since the first Makaton workshop held

2018

The first Makaton Friendly Town established in Romsey

ASDA introduced Makaton into their stores with a Shopping List Board

Rob Delaney made his groundbreaking appearance on CBeebies Bedtime Stories signing 10 in the Bed

 

2019

Levels training pathway begins replacing Foundation/Enhancement and Beginners/Follow Up.

Margaret Walker receives the Pride of Britain Special Recognition Award.

2020

Licensed Makaton workshops move online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021

Watch My Needs officially launched.

Suzanne Miell-Ingram and Tracy Upton of Singing Hands awarded MBEs in the New Year Honours, for services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities

2023

Frontline workshops introduced

2024

Makaton Places introduced, bringing Makaton Aware and Makaton Friendly together under the Makaton Places programme.

2025

Digital Learning Kit (DLK) introduced

Frontline evolves into Makaton For…

2026

Makaton App launched.

50 years since the first Makaton workshop