While Boardmaker was originally known for its CD-ROM software, the platform has transitioned largely to digital and cloud-based systems like Boardmaker 7. For users with older CD versions, it is important to note that official support for Boardmaker v6 ended on October 20, 2022. Key Articles & Guides for Boardmaker
Depending on whether you are using the classic CD software or the modern digital version, these resources offer critical help:
Boardmaker v6 Product Support: The central hub for those still using CD-based versions like v6 or Boardmaker Plus. It includes video tutorials, how-to guides, and manuals for legacy software.
Boardmaker Classic Windows User Guide: A comprehensive PDF manual covering basic symbol placement, editing button actions, and advanced settings for the CD-based version.
Transitioning from CD to Online: This article from Spectronics highlights why users are moving away from CDs, such as gaining instant access to 25,000+ Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) without needing physical addendum disks.
Boardmaker 7 FAQ: For users looking to upgrade or install the newest digital editor, this guide provides troubleshooting for Windows, Mac, and Chromebook. Managing the Boardmaker CD
If you are still using the CD version, here are some practical tips from the community and manuals:
Usage Requirement: Version 5.0 and earlier often require the CD to be physically in the drive while the program is running.
Modern Compatibility: Some SLPs use external CD drives to run v6 on newer Windows 10/11 tablets, allowing them to install the software and then remove the drive once the program is open. boardmaker cd
Importing Old Boards: Both the Online and Boardmaker 7 versions allow you to import and use files created on older CD versions, so your previous work is not lost.
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
The Evolution of the Boardmaker CD: From Classic Tool to Digital Legacy
For over three decades, Boardmaker has been a cornerstone in special education, and for many veteran educators, the Boardmaker CD remains a symbol of that long-standing reliability. Originally developed by Mayer-Johnson, this software revolutionized how teachers, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and parents created visual supports for students with complex communication needs.
While the industry has shifted toward cloud-based subscriptions, understanding the legacy and remaining utility of the CD-based versions—specifically Boardmaker v6—is essential for those still maintaining legacy systems or looking to transition to modern platforms like Boardmaker 7. The Legacy of Boardmaker v6 CD While Boardmaker was originally known for its CD-ROM
The "classic" Boardmaker experience most people associate with physical media is Boardmaker v6. For many years, this version was the gold standard for creating symbol-adapted materials. Boardmaker | Livespecial
The Legacy and Evolution of the Boardmaker CD Boardmaker, developed by Mayer-Johnson (now Tobii Dynavox), has been the cornerstone of special education and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for over 30 years. For decades, the Boardmaker CD was the primary way educators, parents, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) accessed this software to create symbol-supported communication boards and educational materials.
While the industry has largely shifted toward cloud-based subscriptions, the legacy of the physical CD remains significant for many long-term users. What is Boardmaker CD Software?
The Boardmaker CD versions (such as v.5, v.6, and Boardmaker Plus!) were standalone software packages that allowed users to design, print, and sometimes play interactive activities.
Symbol Library: Even early versions like v.6 included over 4,500 Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) in multiple languages.
Customization: Users could search the database for symbols, change their colors, and resize them to fit specific templates like calendars or schedules.
Interactive Features: Products like Boardmaker Plus! added on-screen interactivity, allowing buttons to play sounds, videos, or animations.
Offline Access: Unlike modern versions, the CD software did not require an internet connection once installed, though some versions required the disc to be in the drive to run. Transitioning from CD to Digital Large symbol library: thousands of clear
As technology progressed, physical media became less practical. Many modern computers lack CD-ROM drives, and older software versions like Boardmaker v.6 relied on technologies like Adobe Flash, which is no longer supported.
Today, the software has evolved into Boardmaker 7, which moves away from the CD model.
In the 2010s, the Assistive Technology industry underwent a massive transformation driven by two factors: the ubiquity of mobile tablets (iPad) and the transition to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).
5.1 Tobii Dynavox Acquisition Mayer-Johnson was acquired by Tobii Dynavox, a leader in eye-tracking technology and SGDs. This acquisition signaled a shift in philosophy. The Boardmaker software was no longer just a desktop publishing tool; it was to be the content engine for high-tech devices.
5.2 Boardmaker Online and the Death of the CD The launch of Boardmaker Online marked the beginning of the end for the Boardmaker CD. This cloud-based platform allowed users to create materials on any device with a browser. It offered features impossible on a CD: real-time collaboration, shared global libraries, and instant play on iPads. The transition was not without controversy. The subscription model (paying monthly/annually) replaced the one-time purchase of a CD. For many districts, this shifted budgeting from capital expenditure (CAPEX) to operational expenditure (OPEX), creating financial strain despite the improved functionality.
The versatility of the Boardmaker CD is what made it legendary. Here are the most common ways it is used:
Mayer-Johnson has updated the PCS library significantly, adding diverse skin tones and modern technology (smartphones, laptops). However, many therapists argue that the old CD symbols were more concrete. The classic "computer" symbol looked like a beige CRT monitor. For a cognitively impaired student, that old symbol is actually more recognizable than a modern tablet icon. You cannot download the 1998 symbol set legally except via a vintage CD.