Social Care and Charity

Helping people to feel in control
and lead a fulfilling life

Symbols
Charity workers

People with communication difficulties can encounter different forms of exclusion as obstacles to everyday life.

There are a wide variety of charities and social care providers, such as housing and employment services, who offer daily provision and must engage with clients and meet their individual needs.

By adding Widgit Symbols to your existing information, signage or website, you will be able to engage and communicate clearly with your clients, enabling service users and providers to feel more confident in their dealings with each other.

Widgit symbols
More about symbols:
Symbol Users How symbols are used About Widgit Symbols

Success Stories

The symbolised document is absolutely great.

The people who have used it have found it an easy document to follow and it clearly shows what is expected of them, and of us.

Charlotte Eade, HR Project Manager,
Transport for London

Find out more

Transport for London

Granta Housing works with a diverse range of individuals, some of whom may have language barriers, learning difficulties or disabilities.

Engaging and communicating clearly with these clients requires continued adoption of new technologies and approaches to print and online resources.

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Granta Housing Association

With the Safe Place Scheme, Local Authorities and the Police are helping to reduce bullying and abuse of people with learning disabilities in their communities.

I think it is vital that Safe Places schemes strive towards using a common symbol.


Maggie Graham, Mencap

Find out more

Safe Place Scheme

The aim of including symbols on the directional signage around the centre was to provide simple, identifiable objects that all members of the community would be able to recognise and associate with to improve their visit and guide them around the facilities.

Mark Owers, Chelmsford Borough Council

Read about the symbol signs

Symbol Signage

Who symbols can help

Widgit uses symbols to support people who have communication, language or learning disabilities.
Find about who uses symbols

  • In the UK, there are 10.9 million people registered with a disability (1)

  • 2.1 million people are registered with a communication disability (1)

  • A third of disabled people experience difficulties related to their impairment in accessing public, commercial and leisure goods and services(2)

  • 21% of children in families with at least one disabled member are in poverty, a significantly higher proportion than the 16% of children in families with no disabled member (2)

Widgit Symbols add visual support to the printed word, opening up the world of information to those otherwise excluded from it.
Find out more about symbols

  • Engage and communicate clearly
  • Create an inclusive environment
  • Equality of access for all people regardless of age, disability or background
  • Fulfil legal responsibilities
  • Support independence
  • Confidence for client and provider
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Design Studio

Are your documents accessible to all your clients?

We can create accessible symbol information, tailored to your needs.

Our specialist design team will work in partnership with your organisation to produce symbolised materials that fit your individual requirements.

Bespoke service
We will consult with you throughout the design process to ensure that the end result is appropriate for the different needs of your client base.

Best practice
We can work with you to ensure "best practice" in symbol accessibility and suggest the most appropriate language for your information.

Meeting your responsibilities
An inclusive approach to the design of your product or service will help you to ensure compliance with current legislation on accessibility.

Bespoke Symbol Design

Design studio services include:

  • Translating information into symbols
  • Converting text to Easy Read
  • Designing new symbols
  • Developing resources and materials
  • Providing advice and training

Get in touch

If you want help with accessibility or have an idea for a resource, please contact us.

For design services, email
symbols@widgit.com

For copyright permission, email
copyright@widgit.com

Create your own materials

InPrint 3InPrint 3

Create symbol materials to print
Widgit symbols, along with the powerful features and freedom of layout of desktop publishing, help to create materials that have a professional look.

Widgit OnlineWidgit Online

Create symbol materials in your web browser.
Create symbol flashcards, timetables, stories and a lot more, with no installation needed.

Best Practice Guides

Information on using symbols effectively
A comprehensive guide to using Widgit symbols. This guide explains the different methods of symbolisation and provides practical advice on achieving good symbolised content.

Copyright guidance

Contact us for the right support
If you are using Widgit Symbols, please contact us for copyright permission and acknowledgments. We can also offer advice on using symbols and best practice. copyright@widgit.com