• Choose an appropriate time to start using the updated symbols, for example at the start of the new academic year in September. Until then, you can opt to use the old symbols.
• Consider a whole staff meeting (teachers and support staff) to introduce the new symbols, update knowledge on InPrint 3 and/or Widgit Online and agree upon a whole school policy for implementation.
• Employ a school-wide approach to updating the symbols, so that widely used symbols, such as for signage, lunch and play time are consistent across the whole school.
• Think about the symbols you use the most and look at how they might have changed; these could be the ones you want to introduce first.
• Keep your existing printed resources while you familiarize yourself and then your students with the new symbols. Print new versions of your resources with the new symbols ahead of time in readiness for introducing the update.

• Let students know that changes are happening. For some students, the more information you can give in advance, the better.
• Consider introducing a few new symbols at a time, for example by category.

• Some students might enjoy a session comparing the two sets and brainstorming why they might have been changed. This could include a discussion around why technology, for example, is constantly being updated (televisions, mobile phones etc,.) and that the symbols need to reflect this.
• Ask students to choose their favourite new symbol.
• Play a "Spot the Difference" game with the new and old symbols; asking students to find what is different.
• Play a "Matching" game to match old and new symbols, so users can make the connection between the symbols.
• Create "Bingo" and / or "Domino" activities with the new symbols to reinforce familiarity.

You may want to continue using the old symbols until your users are ready for the new symbols.

With the amount of technical changes and improvements introduced during the symbol update the old symbols will not be supported forever. However, for a limited period, InPrint 3, SymWriter 2 and Widgit Online will offer users the option to switch between the new and old symbols.

Widgit is always working on new symbols, but this major update was necessary to maintain consistency across the set while minimizing the impact on users.

With the amount of technical changes and improvements introduced during the symbol update the old symbols will not be supported forever. However, for a limited period, InPrint 3, SymWriter 2 and Widgit Online will offer users the option to switch between the new and old symbols.

For help on moving to the new symbols, see the Hints and Tips section above.

The Widgit software already includes features that allow you to choose different skin tones. The 2021 Symbol Update will add a new option called "Varied Skin Tone" which applies a variety of skin tones when more than one person appears in a symbol.

InPrint 3 and SymWriter resources will use the new symbols automatically. Widgit has updated all PDF resource packs to use the new symbols. If you have previously purchased a PDF resource pack, you can log into your account and re-download it to get the latest version.

Users will still have full access to the extensive library of exclusive Canadian symbols.