How signing supports children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Understanding the journey: a mother's perspective

In this episode of Raising Confident Kids with SEN, I was joined by Suzanne Meill-Ingram MBE, an inspiring mother who uses the power of signing to support her daughter’s communication. Suzanne has a wealth of experience and shared heartfelt anecdotes with me that shone a light on the transformative power of signing for children with special educational needs.

Communication challenges

Suzanne’s journey with her daughter, Ella, began with significant medical challenges and communication barriers. Ella, diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome, faced numerous obstacles, including the need for a tracheostomy. This necessity complicated her verbal communication and led Suzanne to discover the power of signing. Despite some initial resistance from family, Suzanne held firm in her belief that signing would not hinder her daughter's speech development; rather, it was crucial for their communication bridge.

The introduction of Makaton and building a bond

Suzanne spoke to me in this episode about how Makaton, a form of signing designed to help children and adults with communication and learning difficulties, unlocked a new way for her and Ella to connect. The use of Makaton not only facilitated everyday conversations but also enabled Ella to express her humour, preferences, and even urgent needs, like the moment she communicated her difficulty breathing post-tracheostomy removal.

Suzanne's experience highlighted a critical message for me: teaching signing to children with disabilities does not impede their ability to speak. It complements and enriches communication, fostering a profound bond between parent and child.

The birth of Singing Hands: transforming lives through signing

Recognising the profound benefits of signing, Suzanne and her colleague Tracy, another mother of a child with disabilities, founded Singing Hands. The initiative began from their personal necessity to support their children, but it soon grew into a beacon of support for many families. With the help of signing, Suzanne and her daughter could engage beyond verbal limitations. Her nursery rhyme and pop videos now benefit countless children with special educational needs.

Singing Hands offers a wide array of resources, including YouTube videos, nursery rhymes, and pop songs, all featuring Makaton signing. These resources are dedicated to making communication accessible and fun for children, creating an inclusive environment.

Beyond Personal Challenges: From Books to Recognition

Suzanne and I also discussed other useful resources, such as the Singing Friends books she's created which have QR codes in them to help families share books. Filled with simple sentences and lots of illustrations, these books guide families along different levels in their signing journey. The inclusion of children with assistive devices, like rollators and wheelchairs, in the illustrations shows Suzanne’s commitment to diversity and representation. 

Her passion for aiding communication doesn’t stop at books; she joins organisations, visits schools and hospitals, and engages in various events to spread the message of the importance of signing. Suzanne's dedication has led to significant recognition, including an MBE, and opportunities to meet influential figures like King Charles. Yet, Suzanne remains grounded, emphasising that her work is deeply personal, born of a necessity to connect with her daughter.

Encouragement and advice for other parents

As we spoke of her advocacy in this episode, Suzanne encouraged hesitant parents to adopt Makaton. Whilst acknowledging the reservations some might have, she explained how signing greatly benefits children with learning disabilities, enhancing their well-being and communication abilities. Suzanne aims to dispel myths around signing inhibiting speech development and shared feedback with me from early years professionals who affirm the positive impact of signing on children's development.

With her work transforming from a personal need, to a widely recognised initiative, Suzanne's journey with Ella shed light on the indispensable role of signing in communication and bonding. Through challenging medical conditions and societal misconceptions, Suzanne has paved a path not only for her daughter, but for many families navigating similar challenges.

Signing as a Bridge to Connection

Suzanne's journey with Ella, the creation of Singing Hands, and her advocacy for Makaton all point to the profound truth that communication is fundamental to human connection. Whether through everyday interactions or joyous events, signing has proven to be a vital tool in raising confident kids with special educational needs.

I encourage you to listen to this episode and let Suzanne's story be a reminder that with the right tools, all children can be heard and understood.