Boardmaker: Cd
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 While the physical CD version is now largely outdated and has been superseded by subscription models, it remains a critical piece of tech history for visual learning.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. boardmaker cd
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. The Boardmaker CD (specifically Boardmaker V6 ) is
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. Standout features (bright and bold)
Data Collection: Newer iterations have expanded on the CD's groundwork to include student progress tracking.
Boardmaker Online: Initial Registration - Modern Pen - CCSD21
Here’s a concise write-up for Boardmaker CD (specifically referring to the classic Boardmaker v5 or v6 from Mayer-Johnson / Tobii Dynavox).
Standout features (bright and bold)
- Large symbol library: thousands of clear, friendly icons for everyday words and concepts.
- Drag‑and‑drop page builder: simple layout tools so anyone can create polished visuals fast.
- Ready-made templates: schedules, choice boards, token economies, social stories, and more.
- Customization: change colors, sizes, fonts, and add photos or your own images.
- Print & share: export as PDFs or print classroom-ready sheets and displays.
- Accessibility focus: visuals designed to increase comprehension and independence.
3. Legacy Hardware Compatibility
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.
Strengths
- Once-off purchase – no subscription (big selling point at the time).
- Industry standard – symbols recognized worldwide by AAC users, therapists, and educators.
- Customizable – ability to edit symbols (add glasses, change skin tone, combine two symbols into one button).
- Offline & reliable – no internet required.
- Print quality – high-resolution symbols for professional-looking low-tech AAC boards.
Overview
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.