VIDBE-Q 2025 Volume 70 Issue 2
also supports emotional regulation, often reducing frustration among individuals
with limited symbolic language.
Individualized versus Standardized Tangible Symbols
Tangible symbols may be individualized or standardized, each offering
distinct advantages. Individualized symbols are constructed from materials that are
personally meaningful to the student, helping to build stronger connections
between the symbol and its intended concept. These are primarily handmade by
educational staff.
In contrast, standardized tangible symbols are uniform across multiple
students and therefore can be made commercially available thereby reducing the
time and effort required to create individualized symbols. A significant concern
with individualized symbol sets is the inconsistency that may be experienced by
students as they move between classrooms or schools. In transition, different
educators may select different objects to represent the same concept, creating
confusion and setbacks for a student (American Printing House for the Blind,
2024). To address these challenges, a standardized set offers a consistent approach
that supports communication continuity across settings wherein the same
standardized symbol set is adopted.
