Home Library What's New

Makaton is a brand name that is synonymous with Key Word Sign. The Makaton vocabulary is a group of 350 words, organised in nine stages, which has been taught in Australia since the early 1980s. Recently there has been a shift towards teaching an interactive vocabulary and in February 2010, Makaton Australia’s State Coordinators made the decision to change the name to Key Word Sign Australia. This provided an opportunity to create a uniquely Australian vocabulary based on current research and evidence-based practice.

So what does this mean for you? Just a name change really as the signs that are taught are borrowed from the language of the Deaf community of the host country. In Australia, Auslan (Australian Sign Language) signs are used with an interactive vocabulary. Approximately 500 words were selected for the Australian Key Word Sign vocabulary aiming to support comprehension and the development of a simplified means of communication for people with limited communication skills and for their communication partners.

The following Makaton Australia resources were no longer available after 31^st December 2010.

• Makaton Vocabulary – Auslan Edition (The Blue Book)
• Makaton Vocabulary – Auslan Edition CD-ROM (The Blue CD-ROM)
• Key Signs: A Supplement to Makaton Vocabulary – Auslan Edition (The Green Book)

However, new Key Word Sign Australia resources are currently being developed and will be available in early 2011, with the following Key Word Sign resources available now.

• Key Word Sign Footy Book (Australian Football)
• Key Signs: A Supplementary Vocabulary – Auslan Edition CD-ROM

If you would like more information or wish to contact a Keyword Sign State Coordinator, details are available on the Key Word Sign Australia website.