Mayer-Johnson Boardmaker and PCS Symbols for AAC Users
Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 3 Nov 2011 - Updated: 5 Nov 2026
Publication Type: Informative
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content
Synopsis
This information explains what Mayer-Johnson is and why its products still matter to people who cannot rely on speech. The company created Boardmaker software and the Picture Communication Symbols, which teachers, speech-language pathologists and families use to build communication boards, visual schedules and symbol-based lessons. It traces how Mayer-Johnson became part of DynaVox and then Tobii Dynavox, describes the current Boardmaker 7 line, and notes that the simple recordable communicators it once sold have largely been discontinued or moved to other makers. It also gives practical guidance on choosing and funding an augmentative and alternative communication system, which is useful for children and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, aphasia and other conditions that affect speech.*
At a Glance
- 1 - Boardmaker was built around the Picture Communication Symbols.
- 2 - Swedish eye tracking company Tobii acquired DynaVox in 2014, creating Tobii Dynavox.
- 3 - Single-message talkers let a person press a picture to play a short recorded message.
- 4 - Medicare, Medicaid and many insurance plans cover speech generating devices when they are medically necessary.
Topic Definition
- Picture Communication Symbols
Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) are a library of simple line drawings representing words and ideas, used to support communication and learning for people who have difficulty speaking or reading. Developed by speech-language pathologist Roxie Johnson and now owned by Tobii Dynavox, they are used on communication boards, visual schedules, educational materials and speech generating devices, often through Boardmaker software.
Overview
Mayer-Johnson is the company behind Boardmaker software and the Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), two of the most widely used tools in special education and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Today it is part of Tobii Dynavox, which makes speech generating devices and communication software for people who cannot rely on speech [Tobii Dynavox, n.d.-a].
From Mayer-Johnson to Tobii Dynavox
The Picture Communication Symbols were developed by speech-language pathologist Roxie Johnson, and the company she and her husband Terry Johnson started in the 1980s built Boardmaker around them. Mayer-Johnson later became part of DynaVox, a maker of speech generating devices, and in 2014 DynaVox was acquired by the Swedish eye tracking company Tobii, creating Tobii Dynavox [Tobii Dynavox, n.d.-a]. Boardmaker and PCS are now sold and supported by Tobii Dynavox.
Who Uses These Tools
Augmentative and alternative communication covers the ways people communicate when they have difficulty speaking, from picture boards to high-tech devices that speak aloud [American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2026]. Symbol-based materials and speech generating devices are used by children and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, traumatic brain injury, stroke and aphasia, intellectual disabilities and other conditions that affect speech, at home, at school and in the community.
Boardmaker and the Picture Communication Symbols
Boardmaker is software for creating symbol-based materials, such as communication boards, visual schedules, social stories, labeled classroom displays and interactive lessons for students with limited reading skills. It uses the PCS library of simple line drawings, which can be paired with words in many languages. Earlier versions included Boardmaker Plus, Boardmaker Studio and Boardmaker Player; the current product line is Boardmaker 7, which runs online and on computers and lets teachers share and play activities across devices [Tobii Dynavox, n.d.-b]. Templates for language learning, including English language learners, help students build vocabulary, practice sentence structure and record their own speech.
Simple Recordable Communicators
When this page was first written in 2011, Mayer-Johnson also sold simple voice output devices, such as the GoTalk One single-message talker, the Easy Push Talking Pocket and the Tech/Speak communicators with multiple levels of recorded messages. Devices like these let a person press a picture to play a short recorded message, and they remain a useful first step into AAC. Many of the original models have since been discontinued or are sold by other companies, so check current availability with an AAC supplier.
Choosing a Communication Tool
The right system depends on the person's abilities, needs and settings, and it often changes over time. A speech-language pathologist can assess communication needs and recommend symbols, apps or devices, and can help with funding requests, since Medicare, Medicaid and many insurance plans cover speech generating devices when they are medically necessary. Families can also try free trials, lending libraries run by state assistive technology programs, and low-tech picture boards while waiting for a device.
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)
Is Boardmaker free?
No. Boardmaker 7 is sold by subscription or license, although free trials and some free activity libraries are available.
Can Boardmaker activities be used on an iPad?
Yes. Boardmaker 7 activities can be played online and on supported tablets, so students can use them at school and at home.
What is the difference between AAC and a speech generating device?
AAC covers every way of communicating other than speech, from gestures and picture boards to apps. A speech generating device is one type of AAC that speaks messages aloud.
Does using AAC stop a child from learning to talk?
No. Research has found that AAC does not hold back speech, and it often supports language development.
Who can help choose an AAC device?
A speech-language pathologist, often working with an occupational therapist, can assess communication needs and recommend a suitable system.
Are there alternatives to Picture Communication Symbols?
Yes. Other symbol sets include SymbolStix, Widgit symbols and free sets such as ARASAAC, and many AAC apps let you use photographs.
Can adults who lose speech after a stroke use symbol-based AAC?
Yes. Adults with aphasia after a stroke often use picture symbols, written choices or speech generating devices to communicate.
What is October known for in the AAC community?
October is AAC Awareness Month, which raises awareness of augmentative and alternative communication and the people who use it.
References
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2026). Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
- Tobii Dynavox. (n.d.-a). Our history.
- Tobii Dynavox. (n.d.-b). Boardmaker.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: Communication is a basic right, and for many people with complex communication needs, picture symbols are the first reliable way to make choices, ask for help and take part in conversation. Symbol software and speech generating devices have moved a long way from the single-message talkers and printed boards of the early 2000s, and many now run on ordinary tablets. The best system is still the one the person will actually use, so an assessment by a speech-language pathologist, a trial period and training for family members, teachers and aides matter as much as the technology. People should also make sure any symbol set they choose can grow with them as their language develops.*
Author Credentials: Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursuing Disability Studies. As a CNA Thomas has provided care for people with all forms of disabilities. Explore Thomas' complete biography for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.
* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.