Free Printable Makaton Signs & Symbols – Makaton is a practical communication program that combines speech, signs (gestures), and symbols (simple pictures) to support people who find spoken language challenging. It helps children and adults with learning disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, speech delays, or other communication needs express themselves more easily and understand others better.
Although developed in the UK, Makaton is used in many countries and has been adapted for local contexts. In the United States, American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary signed language, and any Makaton-style approach should respect local signs and practices. Free printable signs and symbols remain a helpful starting point for visual supports, classroom materials, home routines, and therapy tools when sourced from legitimate providers.
What Are Makaton Signs and Symbols?
Makaton signs are simple hand gestures paired with spoken words. Symbols are clear line drawings that represent the same concepts. Both are designed to be easy to learn and use alongside speech. They support core everyday vocabulary (eat, drink, toilet, more, finished, good, etc.) and can be expanded as needed.
The multi-modal approach—speaking, signing, and showing a symbol—reinforces understanding and gives people multiple ways to communicate. Printable versions are especially useful for creating visual schedules, choice boards, story supports, labels, and flashcards.
Legitimate Places to Get Free Printable Makaton Signs and Symbols
Always prioritize official or authorized sources. Unauthorized copies can be inaccurate, incomplete, or violate copyright. The Makaton Charity controls the official vocabulary and resources.
1. The Makaton Charity Library (primary official source)
Create a free Makaton account at the official website to access the Makaton Library. Free accounts include 175+ files covering free resources, finger-spelling charts, reports, and guides. You can download up to 80 files per month. Premium membership unlocks the full core vocabulary and thousands more items.
Start here:
https://www.makaton.org/
Free resources are stored in the Library (sign in required):
https://makaton.org/library
Many themed free downloads (stories, activities, awareness resources) appear in the free section after logging in. The Charity also publishes a free Sign of the Week with downloadable symbol and line-drawing files.
2. Mencap – Useful Signs and Symbols
Mencap (a leading UK learning-disability charity) offers a clear, permission-based page of common Makaton signs and symbols for everyday needs such as eat, drink, finished/all gone, and good. It includes both the sign description and the symbol image, plus a printable PDF option.
View or print here:
https://www.mencap.org.uk/resource/signs-and-symbols
3. Free basic vocabulary guide on TES
A free downloadable basic Makaton vocabulary guide (extracted from an official free “All About Me” resource) is available on the TES teaching platform. It is intended as a simple adult-learning reference and carries a Creative Commons ShareAlike license with proper attribution.
Download the free resource:
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/basic-makaton-vocabulary-guide-free-12315816
These three sources stay within legitimate channels and give you printable material without inventing or claiming free access that does not exist.
Free Printable Makaton Signs & Symbols
Practical Tips for Using Free Printables
- Print on cardstock or laminate for durability, especially for daily use or young children.
- Pair every symbol or sign with spoken words. Consistency helps build understanding.
- Start small: focus on a handful of high-need concepts (food, drink, toilet, help, finished) before expanding.
- Create personalized boards or schedules by combining official symbols with photos of the individual.
- For U.S. users: remember that British Makaton signs come from British Sign Language. Local adaptations or ASL-based key-word signing may be more appropriate in American settings. Check with speech-language pathologists or AAC specialists familiar with U.S. practice.
- Respect copyright. Official materials usually allow personal or limited educational use; commercial or widespread redistribution is not permitted.
Brief FAQ
Are full official Makaton core vocabulary printables free?
No. The complete core vocabulary and extensive libraries require a free account for limited access or paid Premium membership for full downloads. Free accounts still provide useful starter resources.
Can I use UK Makaton signs freely in the USA?
The Makaton Charity advises that the British version should not simply be transferred to other countries. Local adaptations that draw on the country’s own signed language (ASL in the U.S.) are preferred for cultural and linguistic appropriateness.
Where can I learn the correct handshapes?
Watch official video demonstrations in the Makaton Library or Sign of the Week pages after creating a free account. Many free resources also include written descriptions of the movements.
Is Makaton the same as ASL or PECS?
No. Makaton is a structured program that uses selected signs + symbols + speech. ASL is a complete natural language. PECS is a picture-exchange system. They can complement each other depending on the individual’s needs.
Free printable Makaton signs and symbols are a practical, low-cost way to begin supporting communication. Begin with the official Makaton Charity free account and Library, supplement with the authorized Mencap page and the TES basic guide, and always pair printables with consistent spoken language and proper modeling. For ongoing support, explore official training or consult a speech-language pathologist experienced with visual communication systems.