For the first time, following supporter feedback in our 2024 Community Survey, we now have some Makaton videos on the screens around the stadium to communicate with supporters with learning disabilities.
We have simple messages welcoming and thanking supporters, as well as a ‘come on City!’ video, all featuring some amazing local people. Look out for them on the screens and feel free to join in!
The implementation of Makaton messaging further strengthens and adds to our accessibility provision at the LNER Community Stadium.
Makaton is a unique communication programme that uses symbols (pictures), signs (gestures) and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.
Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Almost everything we do involves communication; everyday tasks, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends and having fun. These all rely on our ability to communicate with each other.
With Makaton, signs are used, with speech, in spoken word order. This helps provide extra clues about what someone is saying. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. Using printed or drawn symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot sign or prefer not to sign.
