PICTURE COMMUNICATION SYMBOLS (PCS)
For over 30 years, Tobii Dynavox Picture Communication Symbols® (PCS) have been used by millions of students and adults to understand and structure the world around them, communicate their thoughts, and learn to read and write. Symbol-based visual supports have been proven to help people with communication, behaviour, and learning challenges succeed in school and in life. All designed to better fit your students’ specific learning and communication needs, there are 4 different types of PCS: Classic, Thin line, High Contrast, and In-Context. PCS are available for licensing to anyone wishing to use these popular symbols.
40,000+ SYMBOLS AND GROWING
PCS Classic
The Classic style has been maintained for over 30 years. Classic PCS offer flexibility and simplicity by providing basic colour palates, thick black lines without shading and options for gender-neutral avatars. We continue to add more to this set as many of our customers have used them since childhood and are now adults with additional symbol needs.
PCS ThinLine
The ThinLine style was developed to provide a modern look to our Classic symbol set. They add realism while maintaining a clean, uncluttered style, which makes the ThinLine symbols so popular. This set of symbols is more realistic than the Classic, with thinner lines, shading, and natural colours.
PCS High Contrast
People experiencing cortical visual impairment often require simple symbols with dark backgrounds to see them clearly. PCS High Contrast symbols were made to support this need. These symbols are easily visible because they are designed with bright colours and minimal details.
PCS InContext
These symbols were designed specifically to allow mature adults who struggle with language to communicate about daily living situations. These rich, realistic illustrations can be used as single meaning icons or as visual scenes. There are hundreds of context-specific and common daily living situation symbols available.
LICENSING
Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) by Tobii Dynavox are available for licensing to anyone wishing to add these popular symbols to their product, website, book, app, playground, jewellery, presentation, movie, or other unique application. In some cases, the license is even free. App-friendly and subscription pricing is also available.
Selling or giving away materials using PCS by Tobii Dynavox in paper or electronic form is illegal without our permission.
PCS FOR LICENSING
There are three different types of licenses available:
Maker Free
Are you a non-profit creating materials with PCS and distributing them to the public at no cost? If so, you’ll need a free PCS by Tobii Dynavox Maker Free Account:
- Assures copyright compliance
- Allows advertising as an official licensed PCS by Tobii Dynavox publisher
- Requires a copy of or subscription to Boardmaker
Maker Personal
Are you a prolific “maker” hoping to sell your creations with PCS on your own? If so, you will need a PCS by Tobii Dynavox Maker Personal Account:
- Assures copyright compliance
- Allows advertising as an official licensed PCS by Tobii Dynavox publisher
- Permits making a profit from selling products that use PCS by Tobii Dynavox
- Requires a copy of or subscription to Boardmaker
Maker Business
Are you a developer or printer/publisher planning to introduce products that use PCS? You will need a PCS by Tobii Dynavox Maker Business Account:
- Assures copyright compliance
- Allows advertising as an official licensed PCS publisher
- Permits making a profit from selling products that use PCS
- Offers a customised agreement based on your business model
SOFTWARES THAT COME WITH PCS
TD Snap
Enables a path to communication and literacy at all stages of speech and language development. This symbol-supported app is designed to grow alongside the communicator.
(supplied by redeemable code)
Boardmaker 7
Work more creatively and efficiently with the world’s leading symbol-based solution. Tap into a trove of ready-made communication materials or create your own from scratch, with access to over 40,000 PCS® (Picture Communication Symbols). Support learning, communication and behavioural needs in the classroom, therapy room, clinic, or home.