New augmentative communication software is now available for a wide range of disabilities. Many of these augmentative communication software programs include picture symbols that can be used to facilitate the development and effective use of  language for communication. Although picture symbols have been used for many years in programs for nonverbal communication, they are now used in a variety of computer devices to facilitate both communication and learning..

Nonverbal individuals can point to picture symbols on a handheld device that "speaks" the words produced. Synthesized speech is often used in augmentative communication software programs, resulting in a "robot-like" voice quality. New augmentative communication devices such as the Bluebird 2 use real speech that can be downloaded from a computer program called Picture Master Language Software. This software program can also be used to create customized picture symbol overlays for the Bluebird 2 and other devices.

Picture Master Language Software and the Bluebird 2 AAC device are both major breakthroughs for individuals who rely on nonverbal modes of communication. Picture Master Language Software includes both static and animated illustrations. It also includes photographs. The program allows you to print out picture boards or to display picture symbols on a computer monitor. A linking feature is included that allows users to connect pages. By connecting pages, story books and instructional activities can be created that consist of more than one page. When the user clicks on a picture, speech is produced and the animation feature is activated. Animation can be turned off and on.

Another widely used augmentative communication software program is called Boardmaker. Although this program doesn't include real speech or the variety of pictures available in Picture Master Language Software, it has been used effectively with nonverbal individuals throughout the world who have special needs. Many fans of Boardmaker are adding Picture Master Language Software to their repertoire of software tools because of its versatility - it can do much more than other board creation tools. Because Picture Master Language Software offers almost 18,000 images and includes both line art illustrations and photographs, most users will not need any other program. Academic Communication Associates, the program publisher, is developing books and other instructional resources that can be used with this software.

Now that Picture Master Language Software is available, a variety of new options will become possible for nonverbal students. Imagine creating communication boards using a software program and downloading them to a PDA. This is already possible with Picture Master Language Software. The English version comes with Spanish, French, and German speech and text. Other languages are also available. The Chinese and Japanese versions are already quite popular in Asia.

For additional information about augmentative communication books and software products, click here.