Symbols
Icons and Symbols
Icons and symbols are used all of the time in everyday life, from instructions on how to use a new appliance to signs in foreign airports. Symbols give us immediate information about situations that we may not otherwise understand.
Symbols are images used to make meanings clear and easier to understand. They can help anybody focus on a concept.
Almost all of the people described on the previous page will have difficulty with text. In some situations, a few images will 'key the person in' so they can understand the text. In other cases, more images are needed. Sometimes a carer will be needed to help interpret the meaning and the images will act as valuable reminders.
Community newspapers and information sheets are being created by many organisations to help their members access important information.
