Symwriter
What is it?
It is a software developed in order to facilitate communication for all persons not able to use spoken language as main means of communication, be this for medical reasons or for social or political ones, such as immigration determined by war, political conflicts, poverty. While non-verbal people due to disorders such as autism or similar medical condition cannot use language to communicate, pictograms can help them understand the world and the verbally communicating people can enhance their stories with pictograms, so that what they are telling can acquire a meaning for the non-verbal persons. The same tool is also particularly useful in the case of refugees who have not lived long enough in the host country and therefore its language is not their ally.
Why is it important? / How can it help the professionals of the cultural sector?
It is important because on the one hand it helps the cultural professionals be and act in a more inclusive manner, while being a fundamental tool for the target group who cannot express their thoughts and needs in other ways.
Tool name
Tool type
Accessibility features
It is a software which provides large collection of symbols (pictograms) for making communication accessible to all those for whom the usage of vocabulary is difficult or even impossible.
Version 2 also includes grids, which the user can chose from, for further facilitating communication.
Multilingual support
The pictograms are universal and the software allows the usage of text information in several languages, which the accompanying persons, teacher, parent, medical staff can select for enabling communication in the specific language.
Public targeted
People with autism, dyslexia and related diseases, people with learning difficulties. It can also be used in connection with immigrants not knowing the language of the host country.
Open source / free / paid / other
Free trial for 21 days, then paid
User Interface (UI) adaptability
Version 2 looks more adaptable compared to previous version. The collection of pictograms needs sometimes to be improved, enlarged, depending on the field. In the case of cultural communication, topics can be rather specific, making it challenging to find the right symbols. However, it is possible to create custom symbols or pictograms and insert them into the existing collection.
Platform compatibility
Desktop, mobile, web, etc.
Installation and setup
One has to follow an easy installation and setup processes so that the tool may become available on one’s device.
Updates and maintenance
The website provides up-to-date information about the different versions
User support and documentation
There are tutorials provided as for the usage and installation, as well as the information for local sales and technical support in each country where the product is available.
Integration with other tools
The content created with this software can integrate elements created by means of other tools
Accessibility standards compliance
WCAG compliant
One/two examples of a project where the tool has been used
”A.A.C.cessible Culture: museums for everyone developing the Alternative Augmentative Communication tools (AACC)”
User feedback/success stories
The software has been used in the framework of the above project and proved to be a powerful and reliable tool in communicating with the non-verbally communicating target group