More Than Words: Characterizing Symbol Use in Special Schools
By Abbott, Chris; Lucey, Helen; Assistive Technology - Shaping the Future: AAATE 2003 Conference Proceedings, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 279-283Publication Date: 2003
Paper summarizes the findings of a research project that aimed to collect data regarding the use of symbols in a special education setting. The project was conducted by the Department of Education and Professional Studies at King’s College in London, England, and was supported by the Nuffield Foundation. Communication through the use of symbols is well established, and continues to be prevalent in special education settings and in adult settings where clients can benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modes. In the United Kingdom, most AAC users are familiar with Widgit Rebus, Makaton Symbols, and Picture Communication Symbols. Rarely used in the United Kingdom, but much more popular in Nordic countries, are other symbol sets such as Bliss and Pictogram. A questionnaire was sent to 1,269 special education schools in England to obtain quantitative data regarding symbol use. Some schools were concerned about the lack of support or training on how to extend and develop symbol use. A gradual decade-long increase in symbol use was noted, and it has helped many young people to realize their entitlement to education and to live fully communicative and literate lives. Implications for further research are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: BLISS LIBRARY (MODEL S504-II)
BLISSYMBOLS GALLERY
PICTURE COMMUNICATION SYMBOLS BOOK I, II, III & PICTURE COMMUNICATION SYMBOLS COMPLETE SET
BLISSYMBOL STAMPS
BLISSYMBOL STAMPS (MODELS 780 BW & 780 C)
PICTOGRAM IDEOGRAM COMMUNICATION, PIC
WIDGIT LITERACY SYMBOLS WITH BOARDMAKER
Published by: IOS Press (Website:http://www.iospress.nl)
Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) (Web Site: http://www.aaate.net )
ISBN: 1-58603-373-5
