Widgit’s Role in Empowering Students at BeyondAutism

We use Widgit every single day across our services, from visual supports in classrooms to choice boards and communication booklets. Widgit gives our learners a voice, and the platform’s flexibility allows us to upload custom images while providing templates that make creating resources easy. For learners, these visuals become more than tools – they are bridges to expressing preferences, sharing emotions, and interacting with the world around them.

One example of Widgit’s versatility comes from a pupil in our Bumblebees Class (Year 3-4). When he first joined BeyondAutism he had excellent attention skills, however he wasn’t motivated to engage with communication. We initially tried a picture exchange system which included a booklet the pupil could carry around; however, we quickly realised the process was too complicated. To adapt, we created lanyards for staff which included Widgit Symbols, allowing the student to quickly point to the symbol that aligned with his immediate needs. He loves moving around and exploring different environments, so not having to carry the booklet around was a huge advantage and has dramatically increased his engagement.

Widgit’s impact extends beyond individual learners and has also helped amplify pupil voice on a larger scale. During our stakeholder consultation, which will inform BeyondAutism’s next five-year strategy, Widgit played a vital role in ensuring our pupils could participate. The project gathered input from 58 learners on their likes, dislikes, preferred activities, and overall satisfaction with their education. The visuals supported both pupils that communicate verbally, and those who don’t, ensuring every learner had an equal opportunity to contribute. The project showed just how much our learners have to say when given the right tools, and allowed them to influence the future of their education.

Another area where Widgit is a brilliant tool is around independence and emotional regulation. From handwashing guides in the toilet to emotional check-in visuals used during group sessions, these tools help students navigate their environment and interactions with others. Visual stories created with Widgit further support learners in managing changes or challenges.

For many of our learners, symbols are an accessible, consistent way to make sense of the world. They allow students to show us what they know and how they feel, which is truly empowering – both for the students and for everyone around them.