For many people, symbols are communication. They are the words people want to say and part of how they say them.

Symbols are not just pictures. They are part of a person’s voice. They support everyday communication, participation, identity, and connection.

That is why symbols need to be clear, consistent, and easy to understand. They also need to reflect the person who uses them. Symbols that represent someone’s culture and community can feel more familiar, meaningful, and respectful. They can help people see themselves, their families, and their daily lives in the language they use.

Better prompting helps create symbols that are not only visually strong, but truly useful for communication.