27 July 2007

International Blissymbolics Symposium - Bliss in the 21st Century

An international symposium on Blissymbolics (a graphic meaning-based written language) is being held at Dundee University’s School of Computing from 28 July to 2 August 2007.

Bliss is used primarily by children and adults who have complex communication needs and have not mastered traditional text. For example, a heart followed by an up arrow ‘spells’ the concept ‘happy’ or ‘glad’, while a heart followed by a down arrow `spells’ the concept ‘unhappy’ or ‘sad’.

People who use Bliss tend to have disabilities such as cerebral palsy which affects motor coordination which restricts their ability to speak. A display or book is often mounted on a wheelchair laptray with Bliss words and other pictures/words. Communication is achieved by pointing to Bliss words and having the communication partner read the printed word above the Bliss word.

"This is a vital tool for people who have severe difficulty in using other forms of communication," said Dr Annalu Waller, lecturer in the School of Computing.

"Being able to communicate is such a huge part of anyone’s life and a language like Bliss opens up this whole world of communication for some who would otherwise find it extremely difficult."

The purpose of the symposium is two fold. A think-tank is being held from 28- 30 July to discuss the role of Bliss in language development; the place of Bliss within the range of picture symbol sets; the role of Bliss in supporting literacy learning; and the technological advances which will allow people who use Bliss to write in Bliss. A three-day Blissymbolics Panel will follow in which new Bliss characters and words will be developed by an international team of therapists, teachers, linguists, technologists and people who use Bliss.

The participants all have a passion for Bliss and its potential to transform the lives of people with complex communication needs. They will be representing countries including Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, Ireland, Belguim and Canada. Among the participants is Dr Shirley McNaughton, the teacher who first introduced Bliss to a class of children with cerebral palsy in Toronto, Canada, in 1971. We will also be hearing about the work done to develop a Bliss font which will allow web pages to be translated into Bliss.

The Lord Provost of Dundee will be welcoming the group at a Civic Reception at the city’s Verdant Works on Wednesday, 2 August 2007, at 5.30 pm.

For further information, please contact:
Dr Annalu Waller
School of Computing
University of Dundee
Tel: 01382 388223 awaller@computing.dundee.ac.uk

For media enquiries contact:
Anna Day
Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: a.c.day@dundee.ac.uk