The History of Makaton
Makaton was devised in the UK by Margaret Walker, Kathy Johnston and Tony Cornforth – working with deaf mentally handicapped residents at Botley Park Psychiatric Institution in the late 1960s. It was observed that without a communication system residents were vulnerable and frustrated.
Margaret decided that only the key words in a sentence would be signed (this was the first time this strategy was used). Linguists confirm that in every language there is a threshold or core vocabulary. The 300 concepts that were chosen for Makaton
Makaton was updated and revised in 1996 to reflect the UK's modern multi-cultural society.
Makaton has been adapted for use in over 40 countries.
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1972/3
Original research resulting in the design
of the Makaton Core Vocabulary
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1976
Makaton Core Vocabulary established First Makaton Training workshop heldThe Makaton Vocabulary Development Project (MVDP) established as a non-profit organisationMakaton Symbols Working Party founded
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1978
First Makaton Tutor Training Course
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1980
Work started on Makaton Resource Vocabulary
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1981
The Makaton Language Programme began to be used overseas
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1983
The MVDP became a Registered Charitable Trust
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1985
Makaton Core Vocabulary Symbols published, enabling multi-modal use of signs and symbols
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1996
Makaton Core Vocabulary updated, enlarged and revised Makaton signs and symbols published for the computer Makaton website established
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1999
Makaton now used in over 40 countries
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2000
Number of qualified tutors in UK reaches 800
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2004
Makaton is added to the Oxford English Dictionary
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2007
The Makaton Charity established and MVDP transferred to The Makaton Charity
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2010
Number of licensed Makaton Tutors reaches 1000
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2015
First 11 South African Regional Tutors trained