Overview
Making information accessible through Easy Read and visual supports involves:
- Simplifying written language
- Using clear layouts
- Adding pictorial symbols (e.g., Widgit-style symbols)
This helps people with:
- Learning disabilities
- Cognitive differences
- Communication needs
- Autism or dementia
- English as an additional language (EAL)
🧠 Why Visual Supports Matter
🧩 Enhanced Comprehension
- The brain processes images faster than text
- Reduces cognitive overload
- Supports understanding of complex ideas
👉 Result: Users understand information more easily and quickly
🌱 Independence
Visual supports help people:
- Make choices
- Understand expectations
- Navigate daily life more confidently
🌍 Universal Accessibility
Visual supports benefit:
- Children
- Adults
- Autistic individuals
- People with dementia
- EAL learners
🖼️ How Symbol-Based Systems Are Used
Widgit
Widgit-style symbols are:
- Simple
- Age-neutral
- Easy to understand
- Free from unnecessary detail
They represent concepts instead of complex language
📅 Visual Timetables & Schedules
- Show daily routines
- Reduce anxiety
- Support transitions
Example uses:
- School schedules
- Daily routines
- Therapy sessions
🗣 Communication Boards
- Grid-based symbol systems
- Used for non-verbal communication
-
Allow users to express:
- Needs
- Choices
- Feelings
⏭ Now and Next Boards
- Break tasks into steps
- Show immediate structure
- Reduce overwhelm
Example:
- Now: Brush teeth
- Next: Get dressed
🌐 Dual-Language & Multilingual Support
- Combines symbols with text
- Supports language learners
- Helps comprehension across languages
⚙️ Best Practices for Symbol Use
✂️ Be Concise
- Do not label every single word with symbols
- Focus on key meaning words (nouns & verbs)
🔄 Be Consistent
- Use one symbol system throughout
- Avoid mixing styles (photos + icons + drawings)
🎯 Keep It Relevant
- Symbols must match meaning exactly
- Avoid confusing or abstract imagery
💻 Creating Accessible Materials Online
Digital tools allow creation of:
- Worksheets
- Communication boards
- Easy Read documents
- Visual learning resources
☁️ Widgit Online Platform
Widgit Online
Features:
- Over 20,000 symbols
- Available in 80+ languages
- Templates for education and care
- Printable accessible documents
🧾 2. Easy Read Version
What are visual supports?
They help people understand information using:
- Simple words
- Pictures
- Symbols
Why are they useful?
🧠 Help understanding
- Pictures are easier to understand than words
🌱 Help independence
- Help people make choices
- Help people understand routines
🌍 Help many people
- Children
- Disabled people
- People learning English
How they are used
📅 Timetables
- Show what is happening each day
🗣 Communication boards
- Help people point to symbols to talk
⏭ Now and next boards
- Show what is happening now
- Show what happens next
Good practice
- Use simple layouts
- Do not use too many pictures
- Keep symbols clear and consistent
🧾 3. Printable Checklist
Visual Support Design Checklist
Understanding
- ☐ I understand visual supports help communication
- ☐ I know they support accessibility needs
Design
- ☐ I use simple layouts
- ☐ I use clear, relevant symbols
- ☐ I avoid overcrowding information
Consistency
- ☐ I use one symbol style
- ☐ I avoid mixing different visual systems
Accessibility
- ☐ I support different learning needs
- ☐ I consider language and cognition needs
📊 4. PowerPoint Outline
Slide 1: Title
Easy Read & Visual Supports
Slide 2: What are they?
- Simple language
- Symbols and visuals
- Clear structure
Slide 3: Why they matter
- Faster understanding
- Independence
- Accessibility
Slide 4: Widgit Symbols
- Simple images
- Universal meaning
- Easy communication
Slide 5: Visual Timetables
- Daily routines
- Reduce anxiety
Slide 6: Communication Boards
- Pointing to symbols
- Express needs
Slide 7: Now & Next Boards
- Step-by-step structure
- Reduce overwhelm
Slide 8: Best Practice
- Keep it simple
- Stay consistent
- Stay relevant
Slide 9: Digital Tools
- Online creation tools
- Printable resources
Slide 10: Summary
- Visual supports improve access for all
📝 5. Level 1 Quiz
Multiple Choice
1. Visual supports help people:
A. Confuse information
B. Understand information more easily
C. Avoid communication
✔ Correct: B
2. Widgit symbols are:
A. Complex drawings
B. Simple communication images
C. Medical diagrams
✔ Correct: B
3. A communication board is used for:
A. Drawing art
B. Talking using symbols
C. Writing essays
✔ Correct: B
4. Now and next boards help with:
A. Memory tests
B. Step-by-step tasks
C. Reading books
✔ Correct: B
True or False
5. Visual supports can help non-verbal people.
✔ True
6. Too many symbols always help understanding.
❌ False
7. Consistency is important in design.
✔ True
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