Government and Local Authorities

Communication support for everyone

Symbols
Signing a form

Being able to communicate effectively with all people is vital to ensuring a sense of belonging within a community.

All of the services provided by a local authority need to be accessible to everyone, regardless of language or literacy barriers, in order to ensure that they feel valued and accepted.

From local offer websites and signage in public buildings to advice leaflets and surveys, Widgit can work jointly with local organisations and service providers, translating information into symbols and 'easy read' text.

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

Success Stories

The Children's Commissioners of Scotland, England and Wales have joined forces to produce an accessible version of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) featuring Widgit Symbols.

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Golden Rules

Golden Rules brings disabled young people into the picture

By using Widgit symbols, people who have speech and language difficulties or are non-verbal were able to access and understand what participation means to them.


Sarah-Louise Davies, Children & Young People's Commissioner Scotland

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Golden Rules

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

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Safe Place Scheme

The symbolised materials really help children to be independent.

Thanks to the Symbols Inclusion Project, about 75% of schools, and 200 pre-school settings are using symbols to support children with their understanding and learning.


Class Teacher

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Class teacher

In York, we realise the benefits of using symbols to support learning and communication.

We worked with Widgit to develop guidance so that every child in York has the chance to reach their full potential. .


Susan Coulter, Specialist Teaching Team, City of York Council

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York Council

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)

  • 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)

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

  • Support inclusive access to information
  • Easy to follow signage and wayfinding
  • Meet legal responsibilities
  • Equality of access for all people; regardless of age, disability or background
  • Community engagement
Using a communicatoin aid

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.

Licence Widgit Symbols for your local authority

A number of local authorities have now licensed symbols for much wider use within their geographic area. Their licenses have been arranged so that symbols can be distributed for any not-for-profit purpose within the authority. This includes things like schools, social services, hospitals and doctors' surgeries, community centres and scout and youth groups.

To arrange a similar licence, please email info@widgit.com or call 01926 333680.

Educational Resources

Primary BundlePrimary Bundle

A collection of over 1,000 books and activities for InPrint 3.

Save £111
Autism Support PackAutism Support Pack

Ready-made materials designed to help parents and teachers support autistic people.

Need something else?

All our materials are developed in partnership with professionals. If you require a communication tool that fits your content and needs, please contact our Design Studio at symbols@widgit.com