Picture and Symbol Systems
Symbols, at Communication Matters, UK. Information about Symbol sets and Choosing a symbol set for AAC communication, along with links to Symbol sets, Symbol layouts, Considerations for symbol systems, Low-tech use of symbols, and Choosing the vocabulary. http://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/page/symbols
Points to Consider for Symbol Systems, Communication Matters, UK. Helpful list of things to consider when using a graphic system. http://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/page/considerations-for-symbols
Symbol and Text Based Apps by Jane Farrall Extremely valuable detailed and updated list of communication apps by speech language pathologist and AAC and literacy expert Jane Farrall. http://www.janefarrall.com/aac-apps-lists/symbol-text-based-apps/
Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Selecting Symbols; Basic introduction to Symbol Selection, written before the introduction of tablet technology and apps. University of Washington Augmentative Communication website. Outline of various aided and unaided systems with links to more information. http://depts.washington.edu/augcomm/original_modules/module_customizing/selecting_symbols.htm
A Guide to Picture and Symbol Sets for Communication by Sally Miller, Call Centre, 2005. Helpful grid that allows easy comparison of various types of sets available and provides information on how to obtain and use them. http://www.janefarrall.com/aac-apps-lists/symbol-text-based-apps/
Blissymbolics "Blissymbolics is a communication system originally developed by Charles K. Bliss (1897-1985) for the purpose of international communication. . . . Blissymbolics is a symbolic, graphical language that is currently composed of over 3,000 symbols [made from 100 key symbols]. Bliss-characters can be combined and recombined in endless ways to create new symbols. Bliss-words can be sequenced to form many types of sentences, and express many grammatical capabilities. Simple shapes are used to keep the symbols easy and fast to draw." Blissymbolics Communication International website. http://www.blissymbolics.org
Dynasyms. Developed by Faith Carlson (based on her hand-drawn PICSYMS) for use on DynaVox communication devices. It is a language-based symbol system "for promoting language development or recovery." http://languagesymbols.com/DynaSyms.pdf
How it is: An image vocabulary for children about: feelings, rights and safety, personal care and sexuality. “This resource aims to: support children to communicate about their feelings, bodies, rights and basic needs; assist adults to work with children on these issues; enable children to communicate about abuse in safer ways; assist adults to investigate concerns about children’s safety.” Free download. From NSPCC in London. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/services-and-resources/research-and-resources/pre-2013/how-it-is/
Makaton Vocabulary (used in combination with sign language) "Makaton is a unique language programme offering a structured, multi-modal approach, using signs and symbols, for the teaching of communication, language and literacy skills for people with communication and learning difficulties." Makaton uses speech together with a sign (gesture) and/ or a symbol (picture). Vocabulary was developed with UK focus. Translated resources available (Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati, Hindi) http://www.makaton.org/
Minspeak A Parent's Guide to Teaching Minspeak by Gail M. Van Tatenhove, PA, MS, CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist. "This 14 page booklet is a simple, do-able guide to help parents support and teach a Minspeak system. The strategies apply to any Minspeak program or Minspeak device." Free download. http://www.vantatenhove.com/files/papers/CommunicationPartnerSkills/ParentGuidetoMinspeak.pdf
Minspeak4Kids Book by Gail M. Van Tatenhove, PA, MS, CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist. "This 'book' is a Powerpoint presentation. Print each slide and make the pages into a book. Use the book in elementary classrooms to explain the basic principles of Minspeak." See link in Free Materials section. http://www.vantatenhove.com/products.shtml
PCS (Picture Communication Symbols) — Mayer-Johnson core collection of 4,500 Classic Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), in each Boardmaker Software library; PCS Collections with more symbols are available in Classic, Thinline, Persona, and High Contrast versions, PCS with Animations, software and more. http://www.mayer-johnson.com/pcs-collections
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) Description of the PECS program as defined by Lori Frost and Andrew Bondy, article contributed by Beverly Vicker, Indiana Resource Center on Autism. "Careful consideration of the program and its strengths and weaknesses should play an important role in program selection for each prospective communication learner." Includes: Who is a candidate for PECS training, What is the PECS training format (Phase I-VI), Is it necessary to follow the PECS protocol, and Summary. https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/What-is-the-Picture-Exchange-Communication-System-or-PECS
Symbolstix – "With nearly 30,000 symbols in the library, create symbol-based language and learning materials for printing or speaking aloud online. Use the unprecedented changeable skin tone feature to create representations that reflect multicultural classrooms and users." https://www.n2y.com/products/symbolstix
Widgit Rebus Symbols (formerly Rebus symbols) by Widgit Software. "There are over 12,000 symbols which cover an English vocabulary of over 40,000 words. The new Widgit Symbols Set was launched in October 2002. This was the result of atwo year development project involving many practitioners." http://www.widgit.com/about-symbols/index.htm
