Symbol Systems- Kaylee Khaki

Description 

A symbol system is a graphic language for individuals who are blind and are unable to learn Braille. Pictures are used as a graphic form of communication (a map or a chart) for those who have adequate residual vision. Tactile Symbols are used for students who are totally blind. The symbols may be an alternative form of communication or it could be a transitional step to learning a more standard graphic language. Techniques may include color coding to the system to assure high visual contrast between the object being used and its background.

Relationship to Learning Theory:

Symbol systems falls into the Cognitivism/Pragmatism category because it places emphasis on the building blocks of knowledge. It also focuses on how learners remember, retrieve, and store information in memory. Visually impaired students are supposed to remember which texture and shape is associated with what meaning.  

Example

Chart 1 shows all of the meaning categories and their corresponding perceptual cues.
Meaning/Category	Symbol/Shape	Background/Texture
Objects	Oval	Laminated plain posterboard
Locations	Square	Needlepoint Backing (vinyl grid)
Actions	Triangle	Felt
People	Circle	Textured wall paper (bumpy)
Time - Days of week Months	Diamond	Net Foil
Emotions	Heart	Plain poster board
Function/miscellaneous	Trapezoid	Lined Braille paper

Links

This website gives a complete description of how a symbol system is used at a school in Texas. It gives a series of charts that show how different examples can be used in the classroom. The website really illustrates how intricate symbol systems can be. http://www.tsbvi.edu/seehear/archive/tactile.html

 This is a case study done on how a symbol system effects visually impaired students. It does a great job of explaining what symbol system are. It also does a great job of explaining how all students can learn symbol systems. It discusses the findings of their case study.  http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/research/centers-institutes/institute-on-development-and-disability/design-to-learn/completed-projects/upload/D2L-Tangible-Symbol-Systems.pdf

References

Hagood, L. A system tactile symbol system. http://www.tsbvi.edu/seehear/archive/tactile.html

Rowland, C.1996. Major findings from demonstrating the benefit of tangible systems.OHSU. http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/research/centers-institutes/institute-on-development-and-disability/design-to-learn/completed-projects/upload/D2L-Tangible-Symbol-Systems.pdf