Welcome to The Lightbulb Blog - explore practical communication tips, Makaton ideas, lived experience, research and inclusive resources to help make communication more accessible for everyone. Whether you're a parent, professional, educator or Makaton user, you'll find inspiration, advice and real-world ideas to support confident, inclusive communication
Makaton isn't just for children.
10 practical ways to make your organisation more Makaton friendly
Will Using Makaton Stop Someone from Speaking?
Use Your Words
Communicating with Father Christmas
Including Everyone in the Christmas Performance
Crawling, Midline & Communication
Makaton and Saying Sorry
Musical Cues for Smooth Transitions
Signing & Body Autonomy
Why Makaton Symbols Work for Us
Beyond "Kind Hands"
Why Mr Tumble Matters
More Than "More"
Please & Thank You: Do We Need Them?
Now and Next
Symbol or PECS?
One Hand, Full Communication
Makaton or Sign Language?
Communication Is a Team Effort
Use It or Lose It
Makaton isn't just for children.
Makaton isn't just for children.
People use Makaton throughout their lives. This article explores why communication doesn't have an age limit, the barriers many adults face, and why everyone deserves to be understood. Read the article
10 practical ways to make your organisation more Makaton friendly
How can you make your organisation more communication accessible?
Our latest article shares 10 practical ways to make your organisation more Makaton friendly. From welcoming environments and staff confidence to signage, resources and everyday interactions, these simple ideas can help create places where more people feel included, understood and able to communicate.
Whether you work in education, healthcare, hospitality, retail, visitor attractions, places of worship or the voluntary sector, small changes can make a big difference.
If you'd like to make your organisation even more communication friendly, we also offer licensed Makaton workshops for organisations across the South West, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and online throughout the UK.
Will Using Makaton Stop Someone from Speaking?
Will using Makaton stop someone from talking? It's one of the most common questions we're asked. Discover why Makaton is designed to support spoken language, not replace it. Read the article
Use Your Words
Well-intentioned phrases can sometimes create barriers to communication. Discover why small changes in the language we use can make a big difference. Read the article
Communicating with Father Christmas
Communication is part of the magic. Find out why every Father Christmas should know a few simple Makaton signs. Read the article
Including Everyone in the Christmas Performance
A memory that has stayed with me for over 45 years and continues to influence how I think about inclusion, communication and giving every child their moment to shine. Read the article
Crawling, Midline & Communication
What does crawling have to do with communication? Explore the fascinating connection between movement, brain development and learning. Read the article
Makaton and Saying Sorry
When is the right time to introduce "sorry"? A reflection on helping children develop empathy, not simply learning the word. Read the article
Musical Cues for Smooth Transitions
Using music as a communication tool can reduce anxiety, support routines and make moving between activities much easier. Read the article
Signing & Body Autonomy
Explore why modelling, choice and consent are at the heart of supporting communication, and how our understanding has changed over time. Read the article
Why Makaton Symbols Work for Us
Not all symbol systems are the same. Discover why I choose Makaton symbols and why the right representation always depends on the individual. Read the article
Beyond "Kind Hands"
Explore why positive, specific language is often more effective than abstract phrases when supporting communication and behaviour. Read the article
Why Mr Tumble Matters
More than children's television, Mr Tumble has introduced generations of families to Makaton, helping make communication more visible and inclusive. Read the article
More Than "More"
One of the first signs many people learn can also become a limitation. Discover how to use "more" to build vocabulary, not replace it. Read the article
Please & Thank You: Do We Need Them?
Being able to ask for help, food or the toilet matters more than saying "please". A thought-provoking look at priorities in Makaton. Read the Article
Now and Next
A simple visual tool that can reduce anxiety, support transitions and bring more predictability to everyday routines. Read the article
Symbol or PECS?
PECS is a communication programme. Symbols are just one tool. Learn why understanding the difference can broaden our approach to communication. Read the article
One Hand, Full Communication
Makaton is flexible. Discover how adapting signs can make communication more accessible while keeping the focus on connection, not perfection. Read the article
Makaton or Sign Language?
Makaton and British Sign Language share some signs, but they're not the same. Learn what makes each unique and why both deserve respect. Read the article
Communication Is a Team Effort
Communication works best when it's shared. Explore simple ways family and friends can help someone feel included, understood and valued, Read the article
Use It or Lose It
Learning Makaton isn't about memorising signs—it's about using them every day. Discover simple ways to make communication part of everyday life. Read the article