The ECICP ran a number of workshops on Makaton Key Word Signing throughout the shire last year and has donated a number of books on the subject to the library service.

Children’s librarian Anne Moore said Makaton is a term used for a set of principles of how to use auslan signs to support people who have communication difficulties.

“Auslan signs were developed for people who are hearing impaired and Makaton borrows these signs,” she said.

“However the signs are always used in conjunction with the spoken word.

“Visual symbols and/or photos are often used as well to provide a total communication system.

“Over the last few years the ECICP committee has donated a number of Makaton-related resour-ces to the Shire’s library branches to help provide easier access for families to this information.”