Derwen College student Alice Glennon has been recognised with a prestigious national award for her outstanding work promoting Makaton signing in the media, including on television’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Alice, aged 19, from Cheshire, a residential student at the specialist further education college in Shropshire, has been named a winner in the Advocacy, Policy and Media category of the Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ Awards 2025.
Passionate advocate
The awards, hosted by Dimensions UK, celebrate individuals with learning disabilities and autism who are breaking down barriers and making a positive impact in their communities.
According to judges, Alice stood out for her passionate and consistent advocacy of Makaton. This is a communication programme that combines signs, symbols and speech to support people with learning difficulties and communication needs.
Her campaigning, particularly around encouraging the use of inclusive signing on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has had national reach and real impact.
Stars sign ‘thank you’
Since 2018, Alice has used social media to encourage Strictly celebrities and professional dancers to incorporate Makaton signs into their routines. Thanks to her efforts, viewers now regularly see stars signing ‘thank you’ and other key words live on air. Alice has even met several of the show’s stars, teaching them signs such as ‘Glitter Ball’ and ‘Keep Dancing’.
Alice, who is autistic, has Down syndrome and learning and communication difficulties, is a residential student at Derwen College. She is a student on the Learning for Life pathway, progressing towards the vocational Hospitality & Food pathway.
‘Alice is an amazing ambassador’
Julie Hawkins, Speech and Language Lead and Senior Makaton Tutor at Derwen College, said: “Alice is an amazing ambassador for Makaton. Her knowledge and understanding of Makaton signs and symbols is outstanding. She is always teaching students and staff new signs.”
Derwen College Principal and CEO Meryl Green said: “Alice is a real advocate for inclusive communication. Her enthusiasm for Makaton – and for Strictly – is infectious. We are so proud of everything she has achieved.”
Alice’s mum, Amanda Glennon – a Makaton Ambassador and Regional Tutor – is equally proud and grateful for the support Alice has received at Derwen College.
She said: “We were blown away by Derwen College – it’s the only college we found that’s truly Makaton friendly.”
She added: “The loveliest thing is how embedded Makaton is in daily life, from labelled kitchen cupboards to Sign of the Week boards. Alice felt safe and understood from the moment she arrived.”
Please get in touch
Find out more about how Derwen College supports students on the autism spectrum and with SEND to reach their full potential at www.derwen.ac.uk
