Widgit Symbol Update 2021

More Inclusive, More Relevant, More Symbols

Widgit Symbol Update 2021

To support self-expression and vocabulary comprehension for our users, we have released a major update to the Widgit Symbols to better represent the culture and technology of the world we live in.

Get the new symbols FAQs
 

What's in the 2021 Symbol Update?


Widgit Symbol Update 2021 - More Inclusive

More Inclusive

We've made changes to help support more inclusive representation, such as removing unnecessary indications of gender and improving symbol skin tone options.

Widgit Symbol Update 2021 - More Relevant

More Relevant

We've edited thousands of symbols to make them represent modern culture and technology more accurately.

Widgit Symbol Update 2021 - More Symbols

More Symbols

We've added hundreds of new symbols to further encourage communication development and increase user independence.

 
Find out more about the
2021 Symbol Update Project

Get the new symbols

InPrint 3

The symbol update is included with the free software updates for InPrint version 3.5.

Download Now
Widgit Online

The symbol update is included with the free software updates for SymWriter version 2.5.

Download Now
Widgit Online

All your documents will have automatically changed to include the new symbols.

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Note: To make the transition for learners easier, you can continue to use the old symbols. Please see our FAQs for more information.

FAQs

  • open and closeHow do I get the new symbols?

    InPrint 3 and SymWriter 2

    The symbol update is now included with the free software updates for InPrint version 3.5 and SymWriter version 2.5. To get access to the new symbols, you just need to update your version of the software.

    Once you have updated to the latest version, all your documents will automatically change to the new symbols when you open them.

    Widgit Online

    All your documents will have automatically changed to include the new symbols.

  • open and closeWhat if I want to use the old symbols?

    InPrint 3 and SymWriter 2

    Once you have downloaded the latest versions, for a time-limited period, you can still use the old symbols. This may help make the transition easier for some learners. To do this, go to Settings, in the File menu, select the System tab and tick ‘Use Legacy Widgit Symbols’. 

    Widgit Online

    For a time-limited period, you will still be able to access the old symbols. This may help make the transition easier for some learners. To do this, go to Settings, select Symbols and tick ‘Use Legacy Widgit Symbols ’.

  • open and closeHow can I change the skin tone on my symbols?

    Our software already includes features that allow you to choose different skin tones.

    In the 2021 Symbol Update, we've made changes to support a new option called "Varied Skin Tone" which applies a variety of skin tones when more than one person appears in a symbol.

    Varied Skin Tone Widgit Symbol Tool

    To use Varied Skin Tone, check the tick box in the skin tone panel:

    Varied Skin Tone Widgit Symbol Tool

    If you have ‘Varied Skin Tone’ set as default from the Text & Symbol Formatting menu, existing documents will be converted to use Varied Skin Tone.

    Please note: After many consultations with users and practitioners, it was decided to keep the default skin tone within the 'family' symbols (so each family member has the same skin tone), so not all the symbol’s skin tones will change. There is still an option to change the skin colour of individual people using the symbol Edit Colour tool.

  • open and closeI have a resource pack, can I get that with the new symbols?

    InPrint 3 and SymWriter resources will use the new symbols automatically.

    We've updated all of our PDF resource packs to use the new symbols. If you have previously purchased a PDF resource pack, you can log into your shop account and re-download it to get the latest version. If you have not used your account to purchase a PDF resource pack, please email support@widgit.com and we will send you an updated version.

  • open and closeWhy have so many of the symbols been updated?

    We're always working on new symbols, but we needed to release this major update in one go so that we can maintain consistency across the set while minimising the impact on users.

  • open and closeHow do I know if I’m using the new symbols?

    To see if you have the new or old symbols, simply type 'cat':

    Old Widgit Symbol vs New Widgit Symbol

  • open and closeHow can I see what has changed?

    pdf 2021 Symbol Reference Guide
    A full list of the significant changes to the Widgit Symbol Set

    We have prepared this reference document for users who would like a more detailed understanding of the changes to our symbol set.

  • open and closeWhat if I need a symbol that is not included in the update?

    If you have any suggestions for any new symbols, please email: symbols@widgit.com

How to introduce the new symbols

Hints and tips to help you prepare for the Widgit Symbol Update 2021.

Some of the symbols have changed a lot, and introducing all of the new symbols at once may prove challenging for some users.

Sue White, our Education Consultant, has produced a collection of hints and tips to help smooth the transition to the new symbols for you and your users.

 
Hints and Tips

 

What do users think of the 2021 Symbol Update?

To help ensure that the new and revised symbols are fit for purpose, we conducted user reviews with practitioners who regularly create and use symbolised materials with learners. Here are just a few of the comments we received:

Carley McAdam


"The changes are subtle enough that students who use Widgit symbols and are familiar with them won't be put out by seeing new or slightly updated versions."

Carley McAdam (Special Ed Teacher and City Kicks Author)

Steph Reed Autism Soectrum Teacher


"The new symbols look great. I am always trying to ensure the students get meaning instantly from the symbols. These changes will help that further and also they seem much more updated and modern."

Steph Reed (Autism Spectrum Teacher)

Sammie Colmer


"I can’t wait to download the updated version! The varied skin tone tool is highly needed and necessary. Great work Widgit, well done!!"

Sammie Colmer (Special Needs Teacher)

Widgit Symbol Flashcards


"Better, definitely better. Clearer, more realistic and more up to date."

Justin Drew (Sandwell SLT)

InPrint 3 Symbol Materials


"They are good, I like them. They are nice and clear."

Emma Covington (AAC Specialist)

Acknowledgements

We'd like to thank the following people for their advice and feedback:

  • Bethany Smith (Sandwell SLT)
  • Carley McAdam (Special Ed Teacher and City Kicks Author)
  • Emma Covington (AAC Specialist)
  • Julie Brown (SEND Team, County Durham)
  • Julie Tandy (Milestone Academy, Gloucestershire)
  • Justin Drew (Sandwell SLT)
  • Karen Ferguson (Linrow Education)
  • Kerstin Kanebrant (Symbolbruket)
  • Lisa Phillips (CLASS – East Sussex)
  • Mandy Walton (Milestone Academy, Gloucestershire)
  • Paolo Vaccari (Auxilia)
  • Rebecca Lynch (Rosehill School, Nottingham)
  • Sammie Colmer (Special Needs Teacher)
  • Steph Reed (Autism Spectrum Teacher)
  • Susan Cumbers (Corbets Tey School, Havering)

How to keep updated

To ensure you and your colleagues receive important updates about Widgit , including access to free resources, please register to receive our email journal here.