WHERE HAS MAKATON GONE???

I had to send off another email today explaining why Makaton is no longer being taught, Makaton resources no longer available and who 'Key Word Sign' is so I thought I would copy onto here for those of you who did not see my previous post on changes coming:

It started with a request for some Makaton resources:

My apologies I am unable to provide a Makaton Vocabulary book. I have run out of stock, thought I still had enough, did a total search but they are all gone. I will cancel your order and your card will not be processed. There will be no more Makaton Vocabulary books made available as printing of them has ceased.

response:
Thanks for letting me know, I will try the local library. I am curious why it isn't going to be printed again? Is it no longer relevent or has it been changed?.

EXPLANATION

The reason for no more printing of the book is because Newcastle University and Makaton England had a licencing agreement. For quite a while now final agreements have been under negotiation but Newcastle University decided not to renew the licence and so then of course Makaton withdrew its permission for the Vocabulary to be used, and Newcastle University removed the book from sales as the book contains referencing to Makaton and though owned by Newcastle University would need to have total changes.

Key Word sign - a supp can still be sold but thru me as I am the original author but I will need to remove all reference to Makaton and am currently thinking of the pros and cons on this, and Key sign a supp CD rom can still be sold cause it has no reference to Makaton on it. Plus if you check out our website http://www.handscantalk.com.au/ you will find plenty of other wonderful resources.

Newcastle University has started another group with the same presenters and admin but is now called 'Key Word Sign Australia' as this is what everyone was doing in the first place.

• Same signs,
• same theory,
• same people,using it
• same resources only now it will be called ' Key Word Sign' and
• a new book, even if different layout and content, to prevent issues of copyright, will be produced.
  
  I am in the process of drawing the graphics for the new book/or books but this will take some time as they have asked for many graphics.
  
  So if anyone has the Makaton book, it is the correct book and will make no difference, other than being called by a different name that is confusing everyone at the moment. You have not spent money on a resource that is usless - it is a perfectly good resource.
  
  If you want to keep up to date with changes and new resources join my Facebook page if you like - 'Hands Can Talk' - if you click on like then when new information comes out ,you will be advised, or, become a follower of this blog and you get the same results except I do longer blurbs on blog but get there less often that I should. Fairly regular updates on facebook 'Hands Can Talk' but shorter.
  
  Well that was long winded and I hope it answered your question. Lewt me know if I have confused you or you need more information.

Now if you are still confused about Auslan, Signed English, Makaton and Key Word Sign please go to an early article that explains it all to you.

Aileen