Table Of Content

Botte ’ An iatormation r1 esourcee forB lissymbol users, — T. friends & familiess off| u sers, thosew ho haveu sed _ ——Blissymbols ii nt hep ast,a nd all.th ose. whoa rei ad Taterested ii nBl issymbols. = Fall 1992 aN 2G Bliss Forum by Peter Reich Tt was my great pleasure to People creating new symbols meet Lee Mehrlich, a should remember that short Blissymbol user from symbols are best and that the Indianapolis, at the recent general category symbol should Blissymbolics meeting in be first. Other principles are Pottstown, PA. Lee’s desire to found in the Notes sections of develop stories regarding the new Blissymbol Reference religion and morality in Guide (BRG). Blissymbolics had led him to When offering a newly create over a hundred possible creatived symbol for considera- new Blissymbols. tion by others it is best to A couple of weeks after that provide a description of the meeting I drove to Indianapolis concepts used in developing the to help him and Catherine symbol. We urge all those who Bielski as they used their wish to help in the development IN THIS ISSUE.... Blissymbol creative abilities to of Blissymbols to purchase develop the new vocabulary that BRG. Not only will you gain Bliss Forum over 200 new symbols, you will Lee needs in his work. What was intended to be a four-hour also have a greater understand- Editorial session lasted over ten hours of ing of the rules governing exhausting but exciting collabo- Blissymbol creation. New Blissymbols ration. Some of the symbols Remember - if you wish to use your new Blissymbols in they are proposing are given on Person to Person any publication, you should list page 3. Lee and Pina Gennaro of their derivations in a glossary. What's New Italy will be heading a This identifies which symbols belong to the Standard Vocabu- Blissymbol development group Correspondence for religious terms; they would lary and which are personally welcome your comments and created. Tips for Teaching suggestions for new Blissymbols. Their addresses Please share your ideas with us. Bliss Games and other special interest groups are given on page 5. Continued on page 3. BlissWorld 2 (O) Editorial It is with great honour and We especially enjoyed receiving pleasure that I begin this your letters, stories, poems and second edition of BlissWorld by comments, particularly those sharing an exciting event with written in Blissymbols. Some of you. At the fifth Biennial these are included on pages 8, 9. ISAAC (International Society Many of you have already of Augmentative and Alterna- been informed that on October tive Communication) Confer- 23, 1992, BCI will be celebrat- ence (August 1992) in Philadel- ing its 21st year of Blissymbols phia, BCI was awarded the in Ontario. We’re hoping that Distinguished Service Award. all our BCI friends will be able Those receiving the award on to attend this exciting event. behalf of BCI were Shirley Those of you who are unable to McNaughton, who continues to be with us might like to write or oo in he Spr ctoo nBtlriibsustyem bohelri cvsi siaonnd aBnCdI ;e ffPoarutsl fhaaxv eu sa yloaurrg e gdrieseptlianyg s bo- awred will 1O9r9ga2n itzo atthieo ni nifeorrr Sattiaonnadl- _e e Marshall, a former Blissymbol featuring these messages from cards: (SO), which main- | user, who is now an AAC far and wide. Further informa- tains «a registry of :s tand- = colleague in every sense of the tion is on pages 6 and 7 or call, ardized character sets. : word; and Shona McDonald, a write or fax BCI. _ the pode table allows : parent of a young Blissymbol At the recent Affiliate Meet- with ater data ii n\ comput. user and a contributor to the ing in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, AAC efforts in South Africa. several decisions were made ers and communication These three people well repre- regarding the use of new “equipment ii na manner SS ] sent Blissymbols and every- Blissymbols (page 5) As well, compatible ole interna- oe thing that BCI has tried to development of a new Bliss tional standards. ox number” accomplish over the past two Starter Kit was begun and will of conpetey Renee = decades. be implemented shortly. Further We’ ve learned at least two details on this newest idea will ers hous indicated they will . things from the letters we’ ve be given in forthcoming issues “support the new Iso. a character set standa r ds iisna e received after our first edition of of BlissWorld. their next ‘generation of | - BlissWorld. First, you like it. With your continuing involve- equipment. Blissymbols wil Thank you for the many en- ment, BlissWorld will be an couraging words. The most important vehicle for the ex- common comment has been change of information about the “We need a publication devoted world of Bliss. Please keep your to Blissymbols”. Second, you ideas and comments coming! = sefars pecages! have lots of ideas. Katherine Seybold, Ed. & Published by Blissymbolics Communication International (BCI) 250 Ferrand Drive, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 3P2 Telephone: 416¢421¢8377 Fax: 416¢696¢1035 Katherine Seybold, Editor Send all inquiries, letters and submissions to the address above. Printed in Canada. This material is not copyrighted, so feel free to copy and distribute anything you find of interest. S Fall 1992 Ideas for New Blissymbols > = Symbols on this page are in an early development stage and are presented for discussion only. encourage (to) temptation (to speak + increase + (wrong + attractive) feeling + plus) opportunity (interval + act) (immorality + intensity) compassion cope (to) (empathy + ill (to go through + [abbreviation for pain]) difficulty) forgiveness unfailing (noun form of to forgive) (never + stop) forgiving heaven (forgiveness + desciption (place + God) indicator) forgivable kingdom [of God] (forgiveness + desciption (place + God + guide) before the fact indicator) essence (be + intensity) (confusion + description indicator) spirit (essence + life) (confusion +.description after the fact indicator) Holy Spirit (the) : confuse (to) (essen+c Goed ) (to think + mix) -dilemma = Creator (the) (being + create) = (confusion + choice) insight ; praise (to) (understanding + essence) (to say + positive) vision [mental sense] (gathering + praise) (insight + future) Please mark in the space beside each symbol an 'A' if you approve, or an 'X' if you disapprove. If you are undecided use a '?'. Make two photocopies and send one to either Lee or Pina and the other to us at BCI. BlissWorld Person to Person >| Despite the incessant rain, the soggy weather did little to dampen the spirits of those who were in attendance at the Bliss Affiliate/ Associate Meeting in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, August 13 - 15, 1992. There were 10 countries represented and once again the meeting was an excellent opportunity to discuss the common issues and news of the Bliss family. Several important decisions resulted from two days of indepth discussion: New Symbols: Everyone recognized that limited BCI resources and the dedication to ensure quality in our work made the pace of system development very slow. Suggestions were made International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication for speeding up BCI’s ability to respond to requests from instructors/users who need new symbols or symbol ideas faster than our present structure is able to provide them. a) Those in the field have always ‘The Distinguished Service Award been encouraged to create the symbols they need as combined symbols. In those instances 1992 where it is unwieldy to use combine indicators because of limited space (as On a computer screen) or Presented to because of format (would clutter the appearance of a book, etc.), it «*Biissyabolies Camunicetioa was agreed that the author should — IhascIewtce create a glossary or appendix to the material. This Glossary of Blissymbols should contain a rationale explaining why combine indicators are not being used even though the listed symbols are not found in the BCI Standard Vo- cabulary. As well, the glossary should contain the component parts for each newly created symbol. BCI is not eliminating the combine indicators, but it is hoped that a 5 Fall 1992 glossary will encourage those in Religious symbols: independently undertaking the the field to use their own creativity Lee Mehrlich responsibilities of an affiliated to devise needed vocabulary and New Hope of Indiana organization. The Affiliate provides thus speed the completion of their 8450 N. Payne Road information on Blissymbol-related projects. BCI would ask that the Indianapolis, IN 46268 USA. communication, training and teaching contents of any glossary be shared and materials to people within the Affili- with the Symbol Office. Pina Gennaro ate’s geographical area. A close link b) In order to expand the Standard Consorzio Siciliano de Riabilitazione is maintained between BCI and the Vocabulary in various topic areas, Via Vincenzo Casagrandi, 53 Affiliate. it was agreed that several special 95123 Catania, ITALY 2. Training Associates are individu- interest groups (SIG) would be set als who wish to remain active as up to review new symbols in Pre-School Symbols: Presenters of Blissymbol workshops, different topic areas. Shirley McNaughton or those who would like to begin It was recommended that a 120 Promenade Circle, #802 making presentations relating to questionnaire be sent to all mem- Thornhill, Ontario LAJ 7W9 Blissymbolics. We recommend these bers of the International Panel and people attend at least one Blissymbol- members will indicate their Computer Terms: related meeting each year and keep particular interest (e.g. symbols Peter Reich BCI informed of any training sessions for spirituality, computer terms, 58 Keewatin Ave. that they conduct in their area. pre-school symbols, activities of Toronto, Ontario M4P 1Z8 3. Associates are individuals inter- daily living symbols, musical ested in Blissymbolics who wish to symbols, etc.). They will then Bliss Starter Kit: Another decision receive updates relating to symbol become a member of that SIG and that was reached at the Pottstown development and new publications and will propose new symbols and meeting was to begin the develop- materials from BCI. send them to the SIG Chair. ment of a Bliss Starter Kit. This is in Several other Bliss groups have These symbols will be response to the many people who also been formed by BCI: distributed to all other members of want to begin leaming and/or teaching 1. The International Panel consists the SIG for comment and input. Bliss who do not have the time to of about 85 people around the world When the SIG has a final group of attend lengthy workshops. The Kit who have a particular interest in the symbols that have been agreed will consist of the video, development of new Blissymbols. upon by all SIG members, these Blissymbolics: A Living Language, as This group reviews proposals for new symbols will be distributed to well as other material. Further symbols and through concensus, everyone on the International information will be given in the next approves or rejects the proposals. Panel for comment. All symbols edition of BlissWorld. 2. Monitors act on BCI’s behalf to ensure that the representation of which receive general agreement will then be submitted to the In response to questions about Blissymbols appearing in publications Symbol Committee (a 3 member the difference between Affiliates, and computer programs is accurate and panel appointed by the BCI Board Training Associates and Associates, in keeping with the standard vocabu- of Directors) for final approval in the following outline will clarity these lary. the Standard Vocabulary. terms. Readers of BlissWorld who wish to be Although this second plan Outside North America: formally recognized in one or more of will not speed up the symbol Generally there is one Affiliate in these categories are encouraged to approval process, it will tap the each country, represented by a contact contact BCI. creative potential of those people person. They disseminate information Everyone is welcome to attend the in the field who are working with from BCI to those people in their biennial Aff iliate/Associate Meeting. Blissymbols and who are particu- country who are interested in One of the recommendations coming larly interested in working on Blissymbols. Often people within a from the August meeting was that each symbols within a specific topic. country from different areas and/or Affiliate/Associate bring someone new We hope that this decentralization backgrounds form a Blissymbol to join our next family reunion. will result in an expanded and committee and meet regularly. The We hope that the next Bliss diverse group of new Blissymbols Affiliate keeps BCI informed of the Affiliate/Associate meeting will be for approval in 1994. activities within this country or region held following the ISAAC Conference Anyone not presently on the and attend, as resources allow, Bliss in or near Maastricht, The Netherlands International Panel who is inter- Affiliate/Associate meetings. in August 1994 - so mark your ested in participating in this plan is Within North America: calendars now. And tell your col- asked to contact the BCI office or 1. Affiliates are generally represented leagues! & one of the SIG Chairs: by an organization, or an individual BlissWorld 6 BlissLiteracy W h at BlissLiteracy (©1992 BCI) is an new IBM software program designed to allow Bliss users to write their own stories, notes, messages and other correspondence in Blissymbols and to read this material either in Bliss, or in words and Bliss. Intended as one component 9 of the Bliss user’s literacy program, it provides experiences in creating text totally from the . selection of Blissymbols or from a combination of Bliss and spelling. As students progress in their knowlege of print, the balance will shift from material produced primarily from Blissymbols to material produced primarily by spelling. 21 Yea Useful features include: choice of scanning or keyboard selection short introduction to Blissymbolics in the Lesson Utility Coming of Age mini authoring system to help instructors develop lessons translation capability to correct English syntax Frid ay Octol manual with two streams of information Ontario Institute fon (1) assistance to educational instructors (2) technical assistance 252 Bloor SI on-line assistance ¢ auditory feedback to celebrate the accomplishments | Requirements: in the opportu ¢ IBM 640K memory ¢ VGA Monitor 19:00-20:00 Meet old fy ¢ external serial speech synthesizer 20;00-21:30 Programn BlissLiteracy is available from BCI for $250 Cdn. & 21:30-22:30 Refreshm BMW Master of ( Don Harron "Ch Blissymbol component*Minspeak™ «Words Strategy™ By Shirley McNaughton, C.M., M.Ed. | Many “| BMW (©1992 Semantic Compaction Systems) is a Minspeak Application Program™ that brings the capabilities of Words Strategy to Blissymbol users who wish to use Minspeak to encode vocabulary and generate both synthetic speech and printed text. : BMW can be used with the Liberator™, Touch Talker™ or Light Talker™. The BMW We also ask for your help: package includes a manual, wallchart, appropriate overlays, colored highlight film, of Bliss , along with the ce Bliss, to provide a vehicle | software, set of Bingo cards, and instructional videotape. ute financial support to B' Requirements: Friend of Bliss you will re} ¢ knowledge of both Bliss and Words Strategy by the AAC user and the instructor. our BlissWorld newsletter * interaction between the AAC user and the instructor to determine the vocabulary and faction of knowing that ya strategies. continue to fill its co-ordi! * time to learn the capabilities of Bliss and the strategies for vocabulary encoding. development and communi Points to remember: and supporters around th * knowledge of Blissymbols is essential to the competent use of BMW. fore, Blissymbols are bein * the BMW overlay is not intended to be used without voice or text output. internationally by volunte BMW is available from Prentke Romich Company, making its contribution te 1022 Heyl Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691 $330 U.S. a your financial help to mal: ” Fall 1992 New BEING SEXUAL An Illustrated Series on Sexuality and Relationships for People with Disabilities v By Dave Hingsburger and Susan Ludwig Illustrated by James Whittingham Translated by Claudia Wood The Being Sexual series (©1992 SIECCAN) is a unique Blissymbol-illustrated 16 book series (approximately 35 pages each) on sex education for young adults and adults with developmental disabilities. It is also an exceptional resource for people who have literacy, learning or communication difficulties. They provide a gentle, humane and of Bliss positive approach to sexuality and interpersonal relationships. Features of the series: n the Nineties ¢ wide range of topics ¢ clear text with Blissymbol illustration of key concepts E25, 1992 * concrete examples linked to individual rights and social expectations ¢ may be used for independent, private use or to support group instruction adies inC ducation ¢ emphasis on the worth and responsibilities of individuals ¢ illustrations provide visual interest and discussion stimulus W. Toronto * sequencing of subject matter achieves specific learning objectives The series includes: ne 70's and 80's and share ¢ Relationships * A Woman’s Body « A Man’s Body 2s of the 90's ¢ Heterosexual Intercourse * Human Reproduction ds and see exhibits(2nd floor) ¢ Homosexuality * Female Masturbation * Male Masturbation n Auditorium (main floor) ¢ Sexually Transmitted Diseases * AIDS ¢ Sexuality and Aging s (Qnd floor) ¢ Sexuality and Physical Disability * Sexual Self-Advocacy ¢ Adolescence ¢ Birth Control * Sexual Abuse * Teaching Manual For further information contact: yvemonies!: Sex Information and Education Council of Canada, lie Farquharson" 850 Coxwell Avenue, East York, Ontario M4C- 5R1 CANADA ae Julius and His Friend the Computer al guests! Written and illustrated by Thelma Chait Blissymbol Translation by Annalu Waller Julius and His Friend the Computer (©1992 Oxford University Press) is a delightful e are introducing Friends true story of a 13 year old boy with cerebral palsy in South Africa. This soft-covered ration of our 21 Years of book is brightly illustrated with complete Blissymbol translation. those who wish to contrib- Julius and His Friend the Computer is available from BCI for $10 Cdn. & On an annual basis. As a ye a friendship card and r d you will have the satis- Meetings & Workshops donation is helping BCI ‘Bliss in a Day” Workshop, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. . . . . . . Nov 9, 1992 ing role toward system 3 Day Elementary Workshop, Toronto, Ontario, Canada . . Nov 30 - Dec 2 1IT2 tion between Bliss users Bliss & Technology Workshop, Toronto, Ontario, Canada orld. More than ever be- eveloped and supported Blise {Mac =o 252s. tic ae . November27 , OR December5 , 1992 . BCI wants to continue Blise (IBM 3.2 ee _. , . November 28, OR December 4, 1992 is process, but we need Bli/s BeMW Seiten aoe 2 ee Decemb1e; 1r99 2 his happen! Please tell us What's New in your area. 8 BlissWorld Q Correspondence M |< ly Hoe Role Of OT Onl VO ale a oyenes oO» |, - ©2 |> Protanp. Li - CA) 2» Oo lic BARPRO EOR ea Onde +O El 2 th Oh Ah Bie rae GO. OL SS lh @ Nee oe be blow @ . Oz Son Loa pot? 1, 10+ O Broranp GO Ole 1 t+ Dw p~e 1 Ol 200M +] * LOt I, od Oto 4 oOo. non oar +a x ® LOH lL OW 1 | My Long Journey Mother and I were very happy when we learned that we will travel to visit the USA. There was a time when I did not want to leave Poland. I did not know why I felt it. My father, sister and grandfather wished us a safe journey. We arrived at Orlando and lived in a small house together with my aunt and uncle in camp. During the first day ladies communicated with me using Blissymbols. I worked on the computer and communicated with friends. During the evenings we played different games. I will try these games with my friends in Poland. During the afternoon we swam in the swimming pool. The last day we had a campfire. Together with friends we sang, laughed and joked. I felt wonderful and have made many new friends I will always remember. A FLOWER - by Leo Leppala FINLAND Oolees el lho OOS On Chy The fepps BO Rarer iy oko He PAA»3 o OF | a les o » 2 hs Hi es aor et |, -! o, O. ele! an One day when I was driving in the garden I happened to see a flower which was growing in the asphalt The flower doesn’t think about how thick and hard the asphalt is No, the flower doesn’t think how hard it is to grow up It thinks : “I CAN” The flower tells us: “You can if you want to try.” You wouldn’t just say: “I CAN’T” If you try you’ll see that you can do more than you’ve done before. BlissWorld Tips for Teaching: an » CO This past spring brought the completion and publication of one of BCI’s most ambi- tious and valuable projects to date: The Blissymbol Reference Guide. It contains hundreds of tips for teaching! The following comments are from a BRG user: "Much more than just a dictionary of existing Blissymbols, I found this book to be an excellent resource for augmentative communicators as well as for instructors teaching the Blissymbol system. Its value lies in the development of language skills and comprehension of one’s native language.” In the Finding Symbols by Meaning section, topic headings and sub-headings provide vocabulary lists to enable instructors to develop themes or special projects. Symbols grouped under a particular heading or subheading frequently have acommon classifying symbol, e.g., water, which makes them easy to teach and to learn. Using the classifiers, instructors can highlight semantic relationships between words to enhance language development. An example is shown below: Recreation PLAY AND RECREATION zs: beach, bank, ‘coast, shore Playing in Water : (ear+ twather ) Sample Te uaeee cee : water, fluid, ne ne Entry os liquid es (Partial) :(symbol suggests a wave) vecbeccccucssccvcasusscessscsece feces HAA (much + water) iristetasete “(pool + child) :ocean, sea : ‘swimming pool : (pool + to swim)