SYMOJIS=Immediate client buy-in
If you’re using Grid AAC, adding SYMOJIS can be a total game changer! 🙌
Ever have students who completely ignore the device at first? They avoid it, push it away, or just aren’t interested? Try incorporating SYMOJIS into their pages. The familiar, fun, emoji-style visuals create instant buy-in and make the device feel less like “work” and more like something they actually want to explore.
When kids see engaging, expressive symbols that match how they already communicate (think texting and emojis!), they’re much more willing to tap, comment, request, and interact. It lowers resistance and increases spontaneous communication.
If you’re struggling with device engagement, this simple switch might be exactly what you need!
In my experience working with children who use AAC devices, one of the biggest challenges is often initial engagement. Many kids feel overwhelmed or uninterested when introduced to new communication technology. That changed when I started integrating SYMOJIS—fun, emoji-inspired symbols—into their Grid AAC displays. The visual appeal of these symbols instantly grabbed their attention and made the device feel approachable rather than like a clinical tool. These SYMOJIS icons act like familiar emojis that children already use in texting and social media, bridging the gap between traditional AAC symbols and their everyday communication habits. Incorporating symbols such as "clear," "play," "stop," along with expressive feelings and actions helps kids connect with the device on a more personal level. They start to use it spontaneously to express emotions, ask questions, and interact socially, which boosts their overall communication skills. Additionally, offering these visual cues supports children in exploring different topics and emotions through a more playful and intuitive interface. This reduces frustration and encourages consistent, enthusiastic use of the device. From my perspective, adding SYMOJIS isn’t just about making AAC more colorful—it’s about creating an immediate buy-in that transforms how users engage, improving their willingness to participate in therapy and daily communication. For educators and speech therapists struggling with device resistance, I highly recommend experimenting with SYMOJIS. Small changes like this can make a huge difference in acceptance and usage, ultimately fostering better communication outcomes and a more positive learning environment.
