The Evolution of Accessibility: The Legacy and Transition of Boardmaker
IntroductionFor over three decades, Boardmaker has been the cornerstone of special education and speech-language pathology. Originally distributed via physical media like the Boardmaker CD-ROM, this software revolutionized how educators and therapists created symbol-supported resources for individuals with complex communication needs. While the physical CD is now largely a relic of the past, its impact laid the foundation for modern, cloud-based assistive technology.
The Era of the Boardmaker CDIn its early years, the Boardmaker CD (specifically versions like Boardmaker Plus! V.6) was a prized tool in classrooms. It provided a massive library of Picture Communication Symbols (PCS)—simple, clear drawings used to represent words and concepts. For the first time, teachers could easily print customized communication boards, visual schedules, and interactive activities. However, this era came with technical hurdles: discs could be lost or scratched, and the software often required the CD to be physically present in the drive to run, leading to "CD-wars" in schools with limited copies.
Boardmaker Plus! Australian/New Zealand Version 6 for Windows
Here is the reality check. If you find a dusty Boardmaker CD in your school’s storage closet, you cannot just pop it into a modern Windows 11 laptop or a MacBook Air.
The Boardmaker CD is more than obsolete software; it is a historical artifact of the inclusion movement. Before the CD, children with complex communication needs were often isolated because teachers couldn't make the materials fast enough. The CD automated patience.
While Tobii Dynavox would prefer you subscribe to their cloud service, the truth is that millions of PECS boards, visual schedules, and choice boards printed from those silver discs are still hanging on classroom walls today. The ink may have faded, and the velcro might be dusty, but the communication those boards enabled is timeless. boardmaker cd
If you still have a Boardmaker CD in your basement, treat it with reverence. You are holding the key to a pre-subscription world—a world where you paid once and printed forever.
Have a vintage Boardmaker CD success story? Share your tips for running it on Windows 11 in the comments below (or, more likely, send us a carrier pigeon).
The Boardmaker CD was once a staple of special education classrooms, serving as the primary way to access and print Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) for communication boards and visual supports
. While most users have transitioned to online subscriptions, you can still find ways to utilize or replace this "vintage" technology. 1. Replacement and Support
If you still use the CD version (specifically Version 6) and your disc is damaged, Spectronics
offers replacement CD-ROMs for Windows or Mac. However, Version 5 and older have been discontinued and are no longer supported. 2. Transitioning to Digital The Evolution of Accessibility: The Legacy and Transition
Many organizations now encourage "losing the CD for good" by moving to Boardmaker Online . Key advantages include: Massive Library
: Access to over 80,000+ symbols compared to the limited set on older CDs. No Disc Required
: You can log in from any computer without needing a physical CD-ROM drive, which most modern laptops lack. Interactivity : The ability to send activities directly to student iPads. 3. Alternative Solutions
If you're looking for symbol-based tools but don't want to deal with physical media or high subscription costs, consider these alternatives: Smarty Symbols
: A more affordable alternative that is fully iPad compatible.
: An online resource for creating custom materials for learning and behavior. Free Trials : You can start a 60-day free trial The Technical Headaches: Getting the CD to Run
of the modern Boardmaker Online to see if it meets your needs before purchasing a license. 4. Practical Reuse (Creative "Piece")
With the rise of cloud-based platforms like Boardmaker Online (now simply "Boardmaker" via subscription), you might wonder why search volume for the "CD" version persists. There are three primary reasons:
Product: Boardmaker (CD-ROM Edition)
Developer: Mayer-Johnson (now Tobii Dynavox)
Era: Late 1990s – mid 2000s (peak)
The versatility of the Boardmaker CD is what made it legendary. Here are the most common ways it is used:
Boardmaker CD democratized AAC. Before it, creating a communication board meant hand-drawing symbols or cutting out magazine pictures. Boardmaker gave any teacher with a computer and printer the ability to produce professional, standardized visual supports overnight.
Many early PECS users learned their first requesting skills with boards printed from Boardmaker CD. It became the clip art of special education.