Student Alice Glennon has been recognised with a prestigious national award for her outstanding work promoting Makaton signing in the mainstream media, including on television’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Alice, aged 19, from Cheshire, has been named a winner in the Advocacy, Policy and Media category of the Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ Awards 2025. 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. This year’s competition saw over 100 inspiring entries from across the country.
She was presented with her award by star disability rights advocate Ciara Lawrence. The pair bonded over their shared love of ‘Strictly’ and ‘Wicked. According to judges, Alice stood out for her passionate and consistent advocacy of Makaton – 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.
Since 2018, Alice has used social media to encourage ‘Strictly’ celebrities and professional dancers to include Makaton signs in 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’.
Her work not only makes television more inclusive but also raises awareness of how Makaton can empower people to be seen and heard.
Alice, who has Down Syndrome, Autism and associated learning and communication difficulties, is a residential student at Derwen College. She is a student on the Learning for Life pathway, progressing towards a vocational Hospitality & Food pathway.
Alice shares her love of Strictly and Makaton
While at College, Alice encouraged her peers to embrace her love of Strictly and Makaton. Each week when ‘Strictly’ was on, Alice gave out accessible score sheets to fellow students and staff so they could share the show’s progress too.
She also hosts her own inclusive YouTube channel, Cook Along With Alice, where she shares her love of baking with clear, easy-to-follow Makaton instructions.
‘An amazing advocate of Makaton’
Julie Hawkins, Speech and Language Lead and Senior Makaton Tutor at Derwen College, said:
“Alice is an amazing advocate 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.”
Derwen is Makaton Friendly
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.
“We were blown away by Derwen College – it’s the only college we found that’s truly Makaton Friendly,” Amanda said. “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.”
Alice received her award at a celebration ceremony at the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield on 13 June.
On receiving her award, Alice said: “I was so excited to attend the awards and delighted to be a winner. I love Strictly and I love Makaton. It’s important everyone can understand and be included. I feel proud that more people are learning Makaton and using it on TV, and can’t wait to show my friends the award! All the winners were inspiring and it was lovely to hear their stories.”
Find out more about how the team at Derwen College supports young adults with SEND to reach their aspirations at www.derwen.ac.uk