Blissymbolics Communication is a visual, meaning-based system used as a supplement to speech; the symbols ate arbitrary, pictographic, and ideographic (conveying abstract ideas) representations accompanied by the written word to aid interpretation by the 'receiver' and provide visual reinforcement for the user of the system. Symbols may be presented on a chart, wheelchair tray or on a screen. Indication may be by direct lmeans -finger, fist or foot, or by indirect selection via eye-coding or appropriate switches. The paper outlines the development and application of the system in Britain between 1977 and 1984.
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