What are symbols?
Signposts and information about symbols sets.
There are many symbols sets to choose from. Below are links to information about the most popular sets used throughout the UK .... which in most cases also applies to our friends in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand!
Symbols in general
Getting Started with Symbols for Communication - CENMAC
Definition and Overview of Graphic Symbols - Graphic Symbols.com
Overview of Visual Supports - Autism Community
Using Symbol for Communication - Communication Matters (ISAAC-UK)
What's it all about? - Widgit Software
Why we use symbols - Symbols Inclusion Project
Definition and Overview of Graphic Symbols - Graphic Symbols.com
Overview of Visual Supports - Autism Community
Using Symbol for Communication - Communication Matters (ISAAC-UK)
What's it all about? - Widgit Software
Why we use symbols - Symbols Inclusion Project
Specific symbol sets
Choosing a symbol set that is right for you isn't always a straight forward process. All symbol sets have been designed for a reason. Before creating a symbolised environment do some investigating. Here are a few questions you should be asking yourself and the organisations creating the symbol sets:
Below I have added some links to the most popular symbol sets to help you get started as well as comparisons and guides.
- Why and how the symbols were designed?
- Are they updated regularly? If so, how do you access the new symbols and is there a cost implication in doing so?
- Which symbols do the people I support respond best to? Do they react to monochrome? or colour?
- What are the rules or restrictions on sharing the symbols with pupils, parents and/or colleagues?
- Which symbols are being used in other environments the person I am supporting might access or see on a regular basis?
Below I have added some links to the most popular symbol sets to help you get started as well as comparisons and guides.
Makaton
Makaton symbols created by the Makaton Charity as part of a larger system of signs, symbols and speech to help children and adults communicate.
Makaton symbols created by the Makaton Charity as part of a larger system of signs, symbols and speech to help children and adults communicate.
PCS
Picture Communication Symbols created by Mayer Johnson. These symbols are used worldwide in classrooms, at home and in community settings to support learning and language as well as on many AAC devices.
Picture Communication Symbols created by Mayer Johnson. These symbols are used worldwide in classrooms, at home and in community settings to support learning and language as well as on many AAC devices.
SymbolStix
SymbolStix created by News 2 You Inc. The set was originally created for a weekly newsletter but has grown and can now be seen in on-line and desktop computer applications to create bespoke printed materials as well as on AAC devices.
SymbolStix created by News 2 You Inc. The set was originally created for a weekly newsletter but has grown and can now be seen in on-line and desktop computer applications to create bespoke printed materials as well as on AAC devices.
Widgit Symbols
Widgit Symbol set created by Widgit Software. This set is used worldwide to support access to written information as well as verbal communication. It is used in mainstream and special schools alike as well as home and community settings.
Widgit Symbol set created by Widgit Software. This set is used worldwide to support access to written information as well as verbal communication. It is used in mainstream and special schools alike as well as home and community settings.
Comparisons and Guides
A Guide to Picture and Symbol Sets for Communication - Sally Millar, CALL Scotland
Signs and Symbols - Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs
Symbol Set Comparison - Spectronics
Signs and Symbols - Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs
Symbol Set Comparison - Spectronics
