How Unity Works

Unity is available on all Prentke Romich Company (PRC) communication aids. There are many different versions with as few as 4 symbols on a SpringBoard or SpringBoard Lite, right up to 144 key location language programme on the Liberator 14.

Semantic Compaction is the language method used to develop Unity. It relies on short sequences of a small number of multi-meaning icons to form words, phrases, and sentences. The rate of communication, measured in words per minute, can be up to 6 times faster using semantic compaction versus spelling-based AAC language systems. 

6 reasons why Unity is the Preferred Language of AAC!

The inherent benefits of the Unity language and how it can empower people of all ages and cognitive abilities to effectively communicate are numerous.

1. Focuses on core vocabulary

Why is this important?

The use of multi-meaning icons to replicate core vocabulary enables fast, spontaneous communication.

2. Rule-based approach

Why is this important?

Unity's rule-based approach means that icon sequences follow a structure that the user can learn and easily adapt to access additional vocabulary.

3. Stable icon locations

Why is this important?

Keyboard icon locations remain fixed which promotes faster communication by enabling motor planning, while reducing the cognitive and physical demands on the user.

4. No time-consuming navigation

Why is this important?

Unity doe not subject the client to time-consuming searches through multiple pages of activity and/or theme-based vocabulary lists to find a needed word.

5. Small symbol set

Why is this important?

Using a small set of icons eliminates the navigational demands of searching through many pages of single meaning pictures for the one picture you need. All core vocabulary can be accessed from a single set of pictures or icons. These associations make Unity not only a very teachable language, but also one that enables fluent and spontaneous communications.

6. Grows as client communication skills naturally expand in depth & complexity

Why is this important?

Beginning communicators can start with just a few icons and advance to a vocabulary of 4,000 words or more with almost no re-learning. The Unity vocabulary program allows the client to transition and build language almost effortlessly.

 

How Unity Uses Multi-Meaning Icons to Build Language

Factoid Studies have shown that Unity users learn the icon sequences and use those sequences for the vast majority of the communication (as much as 90-95%). Effective communicators will also use other methods such as spelling and single-meaning pictures in the Activity Row, or in pages to access extended vocabulary. Only PRC communication aids include all three language methods. PRC products include the Unity vocabulary system, single-meaning pictures via the Activity Row and pages and spelling with Word Prediction.

Icon Basics
Presented below are several examples which demonstrate the unique way Unity takes advantage of the many associations attached to the icons and forms language by using just a few multi-meaning icons in short sentences.

The "paint brush" icon (or ADJECTIVE as it is normally called) is associated with adjectives or words that describe, such as "wet." The BOY is "wet."

By adding an extra icon to BOY and ADJECTIVE the client can produce other associations. In this example, the RAINBOW icon is being used to indicate a select "color." The water in the pool is BLUE.

The ACTION MAN represents "swim"; thus, the BOY is taking a "swim."