Boardmaker — Cd

Some classrooms still use old augmentative communication devices (like the early DynaVox or cheap knock-off talkers) that require specific file formats ( .BM2 or .PDF created by the old software). Boardmaker Online exports differently. If a device is 15 years old, the only way to program it is with the matching Boardmaker CD.

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.

Bring communication, learning, and creativity to life with Boardmaker CD — an accessible toolkit that helps educators, therapists, and families build visual supports, interactive lessons, and printable materials with ease.

The Boardmaker CD was a groundbreaking software tool for special educators, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and parents of children with communication challenges. Unlike modern subscription-based or cloud versions, this came on a physical CD (or multiple CDs) containing the legendary Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) library.

It was not a standalone activity creator like Boardmaker Studio or Boardmaker Online. Instead, it was primarily a symbol database integrated with a simple print-authoring environment.

In the landscape of special education and speech-language pathology, few physical objects have been as recognizable as the Boardmaker CD. For years, the distinctive blue and yellow logo on a compact disc represented the gateway to visual communication for non-verbal individuals. Boardmaker is, fundamentally, a graphics database and design tool used to create printed communication boards, schedules, and visual supports. However, its ubiquity has rendered it a metonym for the practice of visual scheduling itself.

This paper seeks to document the history, functionality, and significance of the Boardmaker CD. By analyzing its architecture, its proprietary symbol library, and its eventual migration to cloud-based services, we can better understand the lifecycle of assistive technology and the intersection of intellectual property, pedagogy, and accessibility.

For decades, the "Boardmaker CD" has been a staple in special education classrooms and speech therapy clinics. If you have found a copy in a drawer, inherited one from a predecessor, or are considering purchasing one, you might be wondering: What exactly does this do, and is it still relevant?

Here is a breakdown of what the Boardmaker CD is, how it works, and how it fits into the modern landscape of special education.

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.

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).

Boardmaker CD refers to the classic physical media versions of Boardmaker (predominantly version 5 and 6), which served as the gold standard for creating Picture Communication Symbols

(PCS) for decades. While these CD-based versions are largely being phased out in favor of the newer Boardmaker 7

and subscription-based cloud services, they remain valued for their stability and "buy-it-once" ownership model. OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Core Capabilities

The legacy Boardmaker CD software is primarily a desktop publishing tool designed for special education and speech therapy. Spectronics - Inclusive Learning Technologies Symbol Library:

Standard versions include over 4,500 symbols, though version 6 expanded this to nearly 11,000. Resource Creation:

Users can quickly "spray" grids to create communication boards, schedules, and social stories. Customization:

It allows for importing personal photos, changing symbol colors, and adding text in multiple languages. PODD Integration: It is the required software for many PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display) communication book templates provided on CD. Spectronics - Inclusive Learning Technologies Critical Pros & Cons Boardmaker 7 - OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

Boardmaker, a software suite by Mayer-Johnson (now Tobii Dynavox), has been the cornerstone of special education and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for over 30 years

. Centered on the Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) library, it enables the creation of visual supports like communication boards and schedules for individuals with speech and language disorders. From Disc to Digital: The Evolution of Boardmaker

Historically, Boardmaker was primarily distributed via CD-ROM, with Boardmaker Version 6

representing the peak of this physical media era. These "Classic" versions required a physical disc to run, serving as a vital offline tool for teachers and speech-language pathologists in classrooms.

The platform has since transitioned from these legacy CDs to digital and subscription-based models: Getting Started - Boardmaker Online boardmaker cd

The Legacy of the Boardmaker CD: A "Vintage" SLP’s Trusted Tool

For decades, the Boardmaker CD has been the backbone of classroom and clinic communication, serving as the primary way for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and teachers to create visual supports for individuals with complex communication needs. While the world has largely shifted toward cloud-based subscriptions and mobile apps, many "old school" professionals still hold their original installation discs as prized possessions. A Staple of the "Vintage" SLP Era

Before the era of iPads and instant digital downloads, Boardmaker was delivered on physical media—starting with floppy disks and eventually moving to the ubiquitous CD-ROM. For many therapists, the CD represents a "one-and-done" investment that avoided the recurring costs of modern Boardmaker Online subscriptions.

Customized Learning: SLPs used the software to print Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) for laminated boards, visual schedules, and adapted books.

The "Golden Ticket": Winning or receiving a copy of the CD was often described as a career milestone because it provided permanent access to a massive library of symbols.

Offline Reliability: Unlike modern web-based tools, the CD version didn't require an internet connection, making it a reliable choice for rural schools or clinics with spotty Wi-Fi. How the CD Version Functions

For those still using legacy versions (like Boardmaker v5 or v6), the workflow is a nostalgic trip into early 2000s computing:

Installation: The CD must be inserted into the drive to run or verify the license.

Symbol Finder: Users select the "Symbol Finder Tool" (affectionately known by some as the "silly face" icon) to search and paste pictures into templates.

Local Storage: Files are saved directly to the computer’s hard drive, often in a "My Boards" folder, rather than a cloud account. The Shift to Modern Alternatives

While the CD remains functional for many, the industry has evolved toward more integrated, mobile-friendly solutions. Tools like the Smarty Symbols Image Club and various AAC apps now offer thousands of diverse symbols with more frequent updates than a static CD could provide.

However, the sentimental and practical value of the Boardmaker CD persists. Some retiring SLPs even explicitly state they are not selling their Boardmaker CD during retirement sales, highlighting its enduring status as a career-long companion. Vintage SLP | OMazing Kids AAC Consulting

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

Boardmaker CD (specifically the CD-ROM software version) was a standard tool for educators and therapists to create Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) for students with speech and language disabilities. While largely superseded by cloud-based subscriptions, the CD version remains a "vintage" staple for its one-time cost and offline functionality. OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Key Features and Use Cases Symbol Creation

: Primarily used to design communication boards, activity cards, and instructional materials using standardized symbols or photos. Offline Access

: Unlike modern versions, the CD software does not require an ongoing subscription, making it a preferred "permanent" asset for some clinicians. Compatibility : Files created (typically with extensions like

) can often be imported into newer systems or third-party AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) software. OMazing Kids AAC Consulting Modern Alternatives

For those looking for updated features or tablet compatibility, the following options are available:

Boardmaker Online : Spectronics - Inclusive Learning Technologies

Boardmaker Online features not to miss! With the Online Editor, you can do it all online from any computer. Spectronics - Inclusive Learning Technologies Download your 30-day free Trial - Boardmaker

For decades, the Boardmaker CD (specifically Boardmaker v6) served as the gold standard for special education teachers, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and parents. While the industry has shifted toward cloud-based subscriptions, many users still rely on the physical disc for its reliability and "one-time purchase" model. What is Boardmaker? Boardmaker

is a symbol-supported software program used to create printed communication boards, schedules, and educational activities for individuals with communication disorders. It uses Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) Have a vintage Boardmaker CD success story

, which are simple, clear drawings representing words or concepts. The Value of the Legacy CD-ROM Tobii Dynavox now prioritizes Boardmaker 7

, the legacy CD-ROM (Version 6) remains popular for several reasons: No Subscription Fees

: Unlike the current monthly models, the CD was a one-time investment. Offline Access

: It does not require an internet connection to design or print activities.

: For simple printing tasks, the v6 software is often faster to load on older hardware than modern web-based alternatives. Key Features & Functionality The software on the disc allows users to: Search Symbols : Quickly find PCS icons by typing keywords. Customise Layouts Page Setup

tool to toggle between landscape and portrait orientations for different classroom needs. Create Templates

: Build consistent visual schedules, "First/Then" boards, and choice boards. Print & Laminate : High-quality output that can be printed directly to your local printer for physical use in the classroom. The Shift to Boardmaker 7

If you are still using the Boardmaker CD, it is important to note that technical support for older versions is becoming limited. Modern computers often lack disc drives, and operating system updates can cause compatibility issues. The newer Boardmaker 7

is a "hybrid" that combines the offline power of the original disc with the cloud-sharing capabilities of modern software. transfer your old files from a Boardmaker CD to the new version?

The Boardmaker CD (specifically Boardmaker V6) is a legacy software program that was a staple in special education for decades. While the physical CD version is now largely outdated and has been superseded by subscription models, it remains a critical piece of tech history for visual learning. Product Overview

Purpose: A graphic-based tool used to create printed and interactive visual supports, such as communication boards, schedules, and social stories.

Target Audience: Special education teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), and parents of children with autism or other communication disorders.

Key Feature: The inclusion of Picture Communication Symbols (PCS)—simple, clear drawings that represent words, actions, or concepts. The Move to Online (The Modern Era)

The physical CD version of Boardmaker has been phased out in favour of Boardmaker Online and Boardmaker 7.

Transition: Schools have largely moved from managing individual CDs to district-wide online licenses.

Accessibility: Unlike the CD, which required a specific computer installation, the online version allows staff to log in from any device once their account is registered via email. Challenges with the CD Format

Maintenance: Physical CDs were easily lost or damaged, and because of their high cost, they were difficult to replace for cash-strapped schools.

Compatibility: Older software versions (like V6) may struggle to run on modern operating systems without significant troubleshooting or legacy support.

Learning Curve: Users often found the software unintuitive initially, requiring tutorials to master basic board creation. Summary of Value

Despite the shift to digital, the Boardmaker brand remains the industry leader for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools. The original CD version established the standard for:

Standardized Symbolism: Creating a universal visual language for non-verbal students.

Customization: Allowing educators to import photos and record audio to match a student's specific environment.

Data Collection: Newer iterations have expanded on the CD's groundwork to include student progress tracking.

Boardmaker Online: Initial Registration - Modern Pen - CCSD21

The Boardmaker CD (specifically Boardmaker Version 6) was the industry-standard software for creating symbol-based communication boards and educational materials. While highly successful, the CD-based version is now largely considered legacy technology, as the manufacturer has transitioned to digital-first solutions.  Current Status of Boardmaker CD  The Boardmaker CD (specifically Boardmaker Version 6 )

Discontinued Support: Boardmaker Version 6 on CD has been discontinued. Replacement discs are no longer provided if lost or stolen, though some retailers may still offer limited exchange services for damaged media.

Technical Obsolescence: The CD versions often relied on Adobe Flash, which is no longer supported, potentially making interactive features non-functional on modern operating systems.

Mac Compatibility: Boardmaker for Mac CDs are not compatible with Mac OS Sierra (10.12) or newer.  Transition to Boardmaker 7 

The modern replacement for the CD is Boardmaker 7, an installed application that does not require a disc drive. 

Legacy File Support: Projects created on Boardmaker 5, 6, or Studio CDs can be imported directly into Boardmaker 7 for continued use.

Expanded Symbol Library: Boardmaker 7 includes over 85,000 Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), a massive increase from the roughly 4,500 symbols typically found on older CD versions.

Deployment: It is available as a Standard license (one-time purchase) or a Subscription.  Comparison of Key Features  Boardmaker 7 Standard - Tobii Dynavox US

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

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

of the modern Boardmaker Online to see if it meets your needs before purchasing a license. 4. Practical Reuse (Creative "Piece")

The Boardmaker CD represents a pivotal era in special education, serving as the industry standard for creating Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) long before the advent of iPads and cloud-based apps. For decades, these physical discs were the primary tool for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and teachers to design laminated communication boards and visual schedules for students with complex communication needs. The Legacy of the Boardmaker CD

While modern classrooms have largely shifted to digital subscriptions, the Boardmaker CD is remembered for several key characteristics:

Offline Reliability: Unlike modern cloud tools, the CD version functioned entirely without an internet connection, making it a stable fixture in diverse classroom environments.

One-Time Purchase: Users often preferred the CD because it avoided the recurring subscription fees associated with newer versions like Boardmaker Online.

Customization: It allowed educators to print tailored visual supports, such as Fokes Sentence Builders, to help students structure language visually. Transition to Boardmaker 7

The era of the CD has officially wound down as technology evolved. Tobii Dynavox, the current developer, has replaced the physical discs with Boardmaker 7, which offers: Welcome to Boardmaker 7 Personal!

Product: Boardmaker (CD-ROM Edition, c. 2000s–2010s)
Publisher: Mayer-Johnson / Tobii Dynavox
Target Users: Special education teachers, SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists), ABA therapists, parents of children with autism or communication disorders.