Empowering Education through Innovation & Inclusivity.
At Smarty Symbols, we celebrate the extraordinary journey of empowering education through the power of visual supports. Driven by a profound mission, we stand committed to fostering inclusive learning environments, breaking barriers, and inspiring the minds of tomorrow.
One Mission: Every Voice Heard.
We are driven by the belief that communication and education are the key to unlocking human potential. Our mission is to bridge communication barriers, fostering meaningful connections for all while ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and included in their journey.
One Woman’s Quest for Representation.
Barbara’s story begins in 2009. As a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), she noticed a critical gap in the tools available to her students: existing symbol sets lacked diversity, often depicting white male stick figures that failed to represent the rich tapestry of humanity.
Driven by the need for modernization, Barbara founded Smarty Symbols in 2014. Her innovative "Character of Choice" feature was a groundbreaking concept that allowed users to personalize visual supports with characters representing various skin tones and diverse backgrounds.
"Every symbol, every character in Smarty Symbols is a testament to the belief that every learner deserves to see themselves represented and included."— Barbara Fernandes, Founder
From Digital Library to Global Innovation Hub.
As the demand for visual supports soared, Smarty Symbols evolved from a digital library into a robust web-based ecosystem. The introduction of the Smarty Symbols Studio marked a transformative milestone, equipping educators, therapists, and families with the industry's most user-friendly technology for creating custom learning materials.
Bringing Inclusion to the Great Outdoors.
In 2022, Barbara recognized that for true inclusivity to flourish, communication supports had to move beyond the tablet and the classroom. She envisioned a world where public spaces—especially playgrounds—were equipped to welcome every child, regardless of their verbal abilities.
Through purposeful collaboration with city parks and school districts, Smarty Symbols redefined the landscape of communication board design. By integrating core vocabulary with location-based icons, our team crafts weather-resistant, high-quality boards that empower children to connect and play with their peers in the physical world.
To date, we have successfully designed and shipped thousands of communication boards, transforming over 200 public spaces worldwide into warm, welcoming communities where everyone can communicate, connect, and thrive.
One Unified Voice for Boundless Possibilities.
Today, the Smarty Symbols ecosystem has come full circle. We are no longer just a digital library or a manufacturer of playground boards; we are a comprehensive communication partner.
From the Playground Boards that welcome children into social play, to the Smarty Symbols Studio that supports classroom learning, and our advanced Expressive GO AAC software—it is all one mission. We ensure that a child's visual language remains consistent whether they are at school, at home, or on the move.
The Faces Behind Smarty Symbols
We are a passionate team of educators, innovators, and advocates. From the initial illustration to the final installation, every step of our journey is fueled by a commitment to inclusive communication.
Barbara Fernandes
Founder & CEO
Mauro Irigoyen
Lead Illustrator
Jonathan Fernandes
VP of Sales
Remi Salami
Sales Director
Abanoub Sobhy
Graphic Designer
Danica Avillon
Operations Manager
Building a Future of Boundless Communication.
As we reflect on our progress, our mission remains clear: to ensure that true progress comes from embracing diversity. We believe AAC users deserve a wide range of symbol options that reflect the modern world, allowing them to express themselves authentically and comfortably.
Expanding Representation
We are committed to visualizing inclusivity and empowering every voice by representing an ever-widening spectrum of cultures, abilities, and backgrounds.
Universal Access
Our vision is to empower general education teachers with visual supports, reducing the workload on special education personnel and unlocking potential for every learner.