A communication board serves as a practical tool to facilitate interaction for individuals who struggle with verbal expression or comprehension. It features a mix of words, symbols, pictures, and occasionally numbers or letters. This layout enables users to express their thoughts, emotions, needs, and desires by selecting images on the board. Communication boards are especially beneficial for people with autism, developmental disabilities, aphasia, or speech and language impairments.

Available in a variety of forms, communication boards range from simple, low-tech options like printed or laminated sheets to advanced, high-tech devices equipped with touch screens and voice output. Each board can be tailored to meet the specific communication requirements and preferences of an individual, featuring vocabulary and images that are meaningful to them.

While you are able to create your own custom public communication boards, there are important copyright considerations to be aware of. All the designs featured on our boards are the exclusive property of Smarty Symbols, LLC and are protected by copyright laws.

What Does This Mean for You?

None of the designs on this website can be reproduced for public display or any other purposes without written permission from Smarty Symbols, LLC. This is to protect the intellectual property rights that go into our carefully curated library of images and designs.

Custom Usage of Smarty Symbols

If you’re interested in using Smarty Symbols to create your own designs, these will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To initiate this process, you’ll need to contact us directly for an assessment and to potentially obtain written permission.

How to Obtain Permission

Please reach out to us to request permission or to discuss your specific needs. We strive to make the process as straightforward as possible while ensuring that intellectual property rights are respected.

The time it takes to receive your communication boards from Smarty Symbols depends on several factors, such as the design process, manufacturing, and shipping time.

1. Design process: After placing your order and providing the necessary customization details, the design team will create the layout for your board. This process typically takes around 4 to 5 days. Once the design is completed, a PDF proof will be sent to you for approval or any requested modifications. The production won’t begin until you are satisfied with the design and have approved the proof.
2. Manufacturing: Once the design is approved, the manufacturing process begins. This usually takes about 4 days to complete, depending on the material and customization options selected.
3. Shipping: Shipping time varies depending on your location. Boards are shipped free to all continental US and Canada addresses. Keep in mind that the delivery time will depend on the shipping carrier and any potential delays or issues that may arise during transit.

In summary, it may take approximately 2-3 weeks from the time you place your order until you receive your communication boards, considering the design, manufacturing, and shipping processes. However, this timeline is an estimate and may vary based on your specific circumstances.

Yes! We often work with governmental organizations through purchase order agreements. Just request a quote, send your PO and we will get you an amazing communication board shipped your way.

To purchase any product visit our website and follow the ordering process. Once your order is placed, our team will begin preparing your customized sign, and it will be shipped directly to your school. If you have any questions or need assistance during the ordering process, our customer support team is available to help.

The material you select for your communication board depends on factors such as the intended use, location, and budget. Here are the three material options offered by Smarty Symbols along with their characteristics to help you make an informed decision:

1. Plastic (6MM PVC/Sintra): Durable plastic signs printed with UV ink are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. These long-lasting signs can be placed on wood back posts or attached to fences with zip ties or other methods. If you are looking for a cost-effective option that can withstand various weather conditions, this might be a suitable choice.
2. Wooden (High-Density Fiberboard): Weather-resistant wooden signs are printed using a four-color UV printing process on high-density fiberboard. They are eco-friendly and resistant to weather, fading, and abrasion. These signs are approximately 0.5″ thick. If you prefer a more natural look and want an environmentally friendly option, wooden signs might be the right choice.
3. Aluminum (3mm): Aluminum signs are made of two 0.008″ aluminum sheets sandwiching a solid polyethylene core. They are printed with eco-friendly, weather, fade, and abrasion-resistant UV ink, and an optional extra UV protection glossy layer can be added. Aluminum signs are durable and offer a professional appearance, making them ideal for situations where aesthetics and longevity are important considerations. Aluminum board are not recommended for cities in very hot climate.

When selecting a material, consider the environment in which the board will be placed, your budget, and any specific aesthetic preferences. If you are still unsure about which material to choose, you can always reach out to the Smarty Symbols team for guidance based on your particular needs and requirements. Here is a brochure with installation ideas, which can help determine the best material for your need.

Absolutely! We have team members dedicated to giving you support in finding funding sources for your board. Reach out to us and we will connect you with our team member.

The icons featured on our communication boards are part of the Smarty Symbols library, an extensive and diverse collection boasting over 30,000 images. These images are carefully designed to be inclusive and easily understandable, enhancing the effectiveness of our communication boards.

Intellectual Property Considerations

It’s important to note that all the icons from the Smarty Symbols library are the exclusive intellectual property of Smarty Symbols, LLC and are protected by copyright laws.