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Symbol for Windows version 3.4 is ready!

While working on Symbol for Windows version 4.0, we decided to release version 3.4 earlier. This version has been improved in a lot of areas, but doesn't have the special features that will be part of version 4.0. Version 3.4 does however support the new dongles. Go to the downloads page to upgrade or click Get Symbol for Windows in the menu.

The Symbol for Windows software has been designed for communication, reading and writing, learning and playing with the use of symbols.

The advantages of Symbol for Windows.

Symbol for Windows offers a range of applications like reading, writing, speach output and environment control for symbol users, but also for speech therapists, teachers and other professionals, like making communication and educational material.
Extensive networksupport. Symbol for Windows can be used on a computernetwork. A multi-licence discount is part of the package, of course. Symbol for Windows is THE solution for schools and other organisations. Ask Handicom for more information.
The programs of the Symbol for Windows series can be used in combination with several different symbol databases (at the same time). Among others PCS, Bliss, Beta, Pictogram/Vijfhoek, Parler-Pictos and Beeldlezen.Every application works with all available databases. You choose the symbols you want to use and you don't have to learn how to use a different program for every language anymore.
Because the symbol user is not forced to use only one symbol language, it is possible to combine symbols from different symbol languages into a personal vocabulary.
Applications work indepentently of one another, it is not necessary to buy the entire series. Because of this, you can start using only one module with one database and expand later if the program is satisfactory
Even though the programs offer many possibilities, they are easy to use
There are different controlmodes for users and parents/professionals.
The program can be controlled by scanning (using only one or two switches), and even by eye-movements! Symbol for Windows works with the high-quality eye-control technique called MyTobii.

With Symbol for Windows several different symbol languages can be processed, like PCS, Bliss, Beta, Pictogram/Vijfhoek and Beeldlezen. New symbols may be added to the program as well. It is therefore no longer necessary to use a different computerprogram for every symbol language.

Is Symbol for Windows for me?

Some people have trouble communicating because of a physical or mental disability. By using Supported Communication and symbol language, life can be made a lot easier for them and the people around them. Symbol for Windows is used by symbol users and their families, speech therapists and other professionals. Sometimes symbol language is one of several means of supporting someone in their day-to-day communication, sometimes it is used for therapeutic purposes and sometimes it completely replaces verbal communication. For example:

Difficulty speaking:

If somebody can't talk very well, for example because of aphasia, loss of speech, a symbol database may be used in combination with a speech synthesizer. This enables them to communicate by typing symbols. The speech synthesizer pronounces the symbols, so that everybody can understand, even people who have no experience with symbol languages. The device can also be fixed to a person's wheelchair if necessary.

Difficulty reading and writing:

With Symbol for Windows, you can read and write symbols in stead of letters, making it possible for symbol users to create all sorts of documents and even send and receive e-mails!

At the moment only the symbol name is displayed, so the sentences are not yet grammatically correct. The module Flexlex however, will make it possible for symbol users to convert their symbolic text into grammatically correct sentences. A speech synthesizer may read the text out loud.

Physical difficulties:

Sometimes people have trouble using the mouse and/or keyboard because of a physical impediment. Symbol for Windows can be controlled by only two buttons. It is possible to place two switches at both sides of the head, so the program can be controlled by simple head movements. This technology of using only one or two switches to scan the buttons within the program, is called scanning. It also makes the use of eye-control possible: using the eyes to make selections.

Applications for professionals

Besides catering to the needs of people with a handicap, Symbol for Windows offers a range of tools for professionals who work with symbol users as well as parents and other caretakers who aid symbol users in working with the programs. The extra modules are meant to make working with the program as user friendly as possible. An application is available to create charts that are used by (speech) therapists aswell as overlays for communication devices of different brands and types. Several modules aid in the creation and upkeep of personal symbol databases and user-specific selection sets and there is a program to create and edit Bliss symbols.

Extra's:

Besides the possibilities in the aforementioned examples, three games are available that use the Symbol for Windows software: memory, multiple choice and shuffle. Just for fun, or for educational purposes. The games can be modified to fit the users capacities and/or personal preferences. Several pre-programmed games are supplied when the games are purchased.

There is much more to find out about the possibilities of Symbol for Windows. Choose one of the Symbol for Windows modules in the menu on the left for more information.

The Sign editor has been integrated into a new program called Salute!, which is more extensive and less costly. Those interested in software for the hearing-impaired are encouraged to visit the Salute! website.

Welcome to the Symbol for Windows website.

What is Symbol for Windows?