Symbolboard for Aphasia / People Without Spoken Language
A symbol board can serve as an initial means of communication after the loss of speech or voice, for example,
after a stroke, traumatic brain injury, laryngectomy, or for patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
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No written language needed:
Symbol boards display statements that are commonly needed in caregiving and emergency medical contexts. These statements are accompanied by images, so written language is not necessarily required for communication.
Across language barriers:
Symbol language allows foreign-language patients and people in need of care—as well as non-native caregivers—to communicate across language boundaries. Labels are available in many national languages, so a symbol board can also be used as a translation tool. The following languages are currently available:
Usable in cases of paralysis:
Even when writing is not possible—such as in tetraplegia, advanced motor neuron diseases like ALS or MS, or in people with severe paralysis—symbol boards can be used:
The conversation partner points to the statements one by one, and the paralyzed user signals when the desired statement is reached. Alternatively, the partner can interpret the user’s eye movements on the symbol board.
Ready to use immediately, easy to apply:
Download the symbol board in the desired language(s) and print it out.
The symbol boards are provided free of charge by
HMNW (German Assistive Devices Network) to all affected individuals, relatives, caregivers, therapists, doctors, clinics, speech therapists, and anyone else wishing to use a communication board privately or professionally.
Private or caregiving-related sharing is allowed. However, commercial reproduction or publication is not permitted.
Please indicate the desired language, and you will immediately receive the download link.
An email address is required for licensing reasons.
Your information will be treated confidentially and used only to send the communication board.
Download and copyright: 
You can access the German-language website here: