https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/ Lightbulb. Ideas for Better Communication OpenACS 5.0 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:41:30 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=58807458 https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=58807458 During a recent communication training session, a conversation arose about a young person who is sometimes prompted to “use your words.”This approach was part of an agreed strategy and written into the young person’s EHCP. One member of staff shared that this didn’t sit comfortably with them. That feeling was valid. Phrases like “use your words” are often well-intentioned. They are usually meant to support communication and reduce frustration. However, this ... Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:41:30 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=58445361 https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=58445361 As I prepare for my annual visit to a local garden centre to train their grotto staff, I’ve been reflecting on the work we’ve done over the years to get Santa signing — and why it matters. Many years ago, I took my son, who has Down syndrome, to a Christmas grotto in a huge shopping mall near our home. The experience wasn’t cheap, and the venue itself was magical: a winding trail, twinkling lights, the sense of adventure that builds as you inch closer to meeting the Big... Sat, 22 Nov 2025 08:55:42 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=58347526 https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=58347526 A Memory That’s Stayed With Me for 45 Years I always remember my own school Christmas productions.In all my years at school, I had one speaking role: I was an angel and had to say, “Go quickly and see him.” Blink and you’d miss it. Every other year, I was just one of many children in the chorus. I wasn’t unhappy, but I felt invisible and unseen — simply part of the background. But one year was different. A teacher asked me to be in charge of turning on the i... Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:27:22 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=58164814 https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=58164814 When my son was a youngster, he didn’t crawl. He shuffled around on his bottom instead — not fast, but slowly and determinedly, finding his own way to explore the world. He couldn’t sit up independently until he was nearly two, and his low muscle tone made physical tasks more of a challenge. At the time, I thought nothing of it. It was just how he moved — his own unique way of getting from A to B. What I didn’t realise back then, until an Occupational Therapist ex... Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:27:25 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=58030676 https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=58030676 I’m sometimes asked: “Why is sorry in Stage 3 of the Makaton Core Vocabulary?” It’s a great question — and one that often comes from people who feel it should appear earlier. After all, sorry seems like such a simple, everyday word — one we use often with young children. But understanding what sorry really means is far from simple, and that’s exactly why it’s placed where it is. What Does Sorry Really Mean? The sign for sorry might look simple, b... Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:05:28 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=57902778 https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=57902778 Instinct Before Understanding Singing has always been a part of how my son moves through the day.  I used little songs to help him transition — from breakfast to brushing his teeth, or from playtime to bedtime. It wasn’t planned or taught; it was instinctive. Now he’s almost 18, and we still help him transition by singing to him. Music remains his way of making sense of change — finding rhythm, reassurance, and connection as he moves from one moment to the next. La... Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:37:09 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=57887344 https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=57887344 From Hand-Over-Hand to Hand-Under-Hand to Modelling When my son was younger, we were advised by his Speech and Language Therapist to use hand-over-hand signing — physically guiding his hands to make the signs. That was common practice at the time. The advice came from a good place: he found it hard to coordinate his movements, and we wanted to help him experience what each sign felt like. There are reasons why this approach was once recommended. Some Makaton users benefit from additional... Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:17:28 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=57638600 https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=57638600 Why I Choose Makaton Symbols   There are several different symbol systems available, and some are very popular because they link easily with symbol-writing software. But for me, both as a parent and a tutor, I prefer to use Makaton symbols — and here’s why: Black and white = closest to literacy Makaton symbols are always presented in black and white. This makes them clear, uncluttered, and one step closer to written words, supporting the natural journey towards literacy. Si... Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:41:11 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=57636788 https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=57636788 Many people really like the phrase “kind hands, kind feet.” It feels warm and positive, and it’s often used in schools, clubs, and care settings as a way of encouraging caring behaviour. The message behind it comes from a good place – wanting to remind children and adults to act with kindness. But for some, especially children or adults with learning disabilities, autism, or communication differences, the phrase isn’t always as helpful as we’d hope. What sou... Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:07:41 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=57602659 https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=57602659 Why Mr Tumble Matters If you’ve ever had a toddler in the house, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Mr Tumble. Bright waistcoat, spotty bow tie, a bottomless spotty bag – and that famous cheek wobble. Mr Tumble has become a familiar figure in living rooms up and down the country since he first appeared in 2002. But behind the slapstick humour and silly voices is something truly special. For many children – especially those with additional needs – Mr Tumble isn&... Fri, 12 Sep 2025 20:40:11 GMT