Why is the Makaton App only available in the UK?

Overview

The Makaton App is currently only available to download in the UK.

Why isn't the app available in other countries?

Makaton is adapted to the sign language used in each country. The UK Makaton Programme is based on British Sign Language (BSL), while Makaton programmes in other countries are based on their own national sign languages.

For this reason, the UK version of the app is only made available within the UK. Making it available internationally could result in people accessing and using a version of Makaton that is not appropriate for their country.

The Makaton Programme is also licensed on a territory by territory basis, meaning digital products and resources must only be made available in the countries where the relevant licensing arrangements are in place.

I am a UK Makaton Tutor or Member living or working overseas. Can I still use the app?

Unfortunately, the app cannot be downloaded outside the UK, even by UK Members or Tutors who are temporarily living or working overseas.

You can still access your Membership resources by signing in to your account on the Makaton website.

Some organisations may have their own IT solutions, such as a VPN, which can provide access to UK based app stores. This is not something The Makaton Charity can provide or support, so you would need to speak to your organisation's IT team if you believe this may be available to you.

Will the app be available in other countries in the future?

We appreciate there is interest in making the app available internationally, and we continue to review feedback from Members, Tutors and international partners. However, there are currently no plans to release the UK app outside the UK.