Sign, speech and symbols: using Makaton in nursing

When Claire Thompson witnessed the use of Makaton on her very first placement at an adult learning centre, she thought it was a game-changer. 

“To be completely honest, I used to think the children’s TV character Mr Tumble invented it,” says Claire, who is a newly registered nurse. “Little did I realise just how life-changing it could be – it can really open up someone’s world.”

While British Sign Language (BSL) is used as the main source of communication for people who are hard of hearing or completely deaf, Makaton is a communication aid for people with learning disabilities or communication difficulties that uses sign, speech, and symbols.

“As nursing staff, 1 of our main focuses is to provide person-centred care. If we can’t communicate, what’s the point? People who have a learning disability deserve the same as you or I when they go into hospital,” says Claire.

“Even though some people are non-verbal, their opinions still matter, and they can still feel pain.

“We always say we need to be the voice of someone with a learning disability. But I believe people with a learning disability have a voice, and we need to be their microphone,” she adds.

• Watch now: Claire's top 3 useful Makaton signs for nursing students and staff

Choosing a path

Claire’s route into nursing began during the height of the pandemic while working as a youth worker. “I was out clapping in the street for NHS staff and thought, this is what I want to do,” she says. 

There was a natural pull towards learning disability nursing. “My auntie June had a learning disability, so I was used to being around people with learning disabilities and I knew the joy of working with people with additional needs from my experience as a youth worker,” she says.

Following that first experience seeing the powerful impact of Makaton in action, Claire approached her university to ask if it could be taught there. They were incredibly supportive but unfortunately it was just too expensive,” says Claire. “But I didn’t let that stop me. I decided I had to do something.”

It can really open up someone's world

After being awarded bursaries to learn Makaton herself, Makaton Mondays were born – lessons on social media that aim to improve diversity and inclusion through making Makaton easily accessible. Claire records a short video of herself each week with a new sign for people to learn and take into a health care setting or use in their daily life. 

Since starting the lessons in January 2022, Claire’s social media posts have been watched by hundreds of thousands of people, and she continues to use her platform as a force for good. “It’s an easy, free way for people to learn more,” says Claire. “I started them on a whim not realising they would get so big but there was a clearly a need.”

While Claire acknowledges the negative impact social media can have, she believes it can still bring many benefits. “What’s important is what you want to put out there – as long as it’s positive, it can be great. Seek out the feel good,” she says.

People with a learning disability have a voice –we need to be their microphone

Claire’s following on social media keeps growing and she has won various awards including 2 Nursing Times awards for the positive impact she has made improving communication for people with learning disabilities. Last year, Claire’s achievements were recognised with a prestigious invite to King Charles III's Coronation.

Claire now works for the Mae Murray Foundation as a project co-ordinator and registered nurse, learning disability. The foundation was set up with the aim to allow people of all ages and abilities to take part in activities, experience the world, and enjoy friendship together, in an inclusive environment.

“I’d been working there while doing my course and they’ve seen the benefits Makaton brings,” she says. “Being newly registered, the imposter syndrome can be real sometimes, but I absolutely love my job and truly believe in the work we do.”