A Modern Twist To Minspeak Symbols

A new modern version of Minspeak^® multi-meaning symbols will be coming to Accent^® (Empower^® software), NovaChat^®, and Via^®/iOS devices with their respective software updates this fall. The Modern symbol set will be available for English and Spanish LAMP Words for Life^®, Unity^®/Unidad^®, and Engage^® vocabulary files.

Modern Minspeak Symbols

Modern symbols feature simplified details, lines, and colors for visual clarity while maintaining the composition of the Classic symbols that are established for countless communicators. On the technical side, the symbols have also been redrawn in a scalable, never-blurry format that removes pixelation and allows for more symbol options down the road.

Here’s a comparison of some well-loved Minspeak symbols found on the home page of LAMP Words for Life and Unity vocabularies. The left symbol in the pair is Classic; the right symbol is Modern.

Even good changes can be challenging at times. Here’s some information to help you prepare.

Modern Minspeak Symbols by Product Line

Accent Devices

• Empower:
  • New Minspeak symbols will be available with Empower 1.33
  • You will have the option to switch between Classic and Modern symbols
  • You may toggle between the two symbol sets at any time, but only one set of symbols can be used at a time
• NuVoice^®:
  • Modern Minspeak symbols will not be available in the next software update

NovaChat and Via/iOS Devices

• NovaChat, LAMP Words for Life app, and Unity AAC app:
  • New Minspeak symbols will be available in the symbol library with update 2026.3
  • Your customized vocabulary files will keep their Classic symbols
  • New files will open with Modern symbols
  • There is not a toggle button to go between the two symbol sets, but symbols from both sets can be used at the same time

Let’s address some questions you may have about the symbols.

Will this change my customized LAMP Words for Life or Unity vocabulary file?

• No, your custom vocabulary file will not be changed
• If you have Empower, you can choose to toggle on Modern symbols in the symbol settings or do nothing and continue your uninterrupted use of Classic symbols

How can I use Modern symbols in my customized vocabulary file?

• After you update to Empower 1.33, you can choose to toggle Modern symbols on in your vocabulary file
• On NovaChat or iOS apps with 2026.3, Modern symbols will be available in your symbol library; you can search for them there and update buttons manually or import select pages to have a mix of Classic and Modern symbols (find step-by-step instructions to import pages in the Knowledge Base)
• Not sure what to do? Brainstorm with your PRC-Saltillo AAC Consultant

If I delete my customized vocabulary file for NovaChat/iOS, where can I find a default vocabulary file that matches the Minspeak symbols I’m using now?

• Most recent vocab files with classic symbols will be available online as legacy files with the next software update.
  
  • LAMP Words for Life
  • Unity

We use emulator/companion software such as PASS/Empower/ChatEditor™ to support language in the classroom. Will these match the new Modern Minspeak symbols?

• PASS – not at this time as PASS software is based on NuVoice
• Empower – yes, update to 1.33 to access Modern symbols
• ChatEditor – yes, update to 2026.3 to access Modern symbols

Will the lite-tech boards and wall charts on AAC Language Lab^® have Classic or Modern symbols?

• Our team is working hard to make these changes for your use

Will the Smart Charts or Smart Chart Generator on AAC Language Lab have Classic or Modern symbols?

• Our team is working hard to make these changes for your use

Will Modern Symbols be available on other therapy material platforms?

• Our team is working hard to make this possible for you

Will Modern symbols be available for all LAMP words for Life and Unity vocabulary files such as VI, French, Spanish, German?

• Modern symbols will first be available in English and Spanish files only

Will Modern symbols be available for WordPower^® or TouchChat^®?

• Symbol options will remain as they are for WordPower and TouchChat

Watch for even more improvements and options for Minspeak symbols and vocabularies so you can use AAC with confidence. Your PRC-Saltillo AAC Consultant is always ready to assist with your questions no matter how big or small. Connect with them today!