Blissymbolics Communication International

About BCI

Blissymbolics Communication International (BCI) is a non-profit, charitable organization that has the perpetual, worldwide, exclusive licence from C.K. Bliss (1975, 1982) for the use and publication of Blissymbols for persons with communication, language and learning difficulties. BCI has given leadership world-wide to the development of the system of Blissymbolics and to its use by persons with severe speech and physical impairments (SSPI).

Since its incorporation in Ontario, Canada, in 1975, BCI has supported Blissymbol use through the training of professionals, assistance to Blissymbol users, consultation, publications, technology and software development, and projects related to Blissymbol applications. Some professionals associated with BCI have been working with Blissymbolics since the system's first application to children with cerebral palsy in 1971.

Over the years, funding support has been received from the Ministry of Education, Province of Ontario; the Department of Communications (now Industry Canada), Government of Canada; The Ontario Crippled Children's Centre; The Easter Seal Society of Ontario; charitable foundations; service clubs; private industry and private individuals.

During recent years, BlissInternet has been developed to allow Bliss users to communicate with anyone with internet access and BlissInternet software. Funding from the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy has supported the early application of BlissInternet.

Prior to BlissInternet, a software bulletin board system called BlissNet was developed funded by Industry Canada, and its application in Ontario funded by the Ontario Network Infrastructure Program (ONIP), Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ontario Government.

We recently celebrated 30 years of Bliss in Canada and you may enjoy reading reminiscences of people around the world active with BCI.

BCI Board of Directors

All members of the BCI Board volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per month of their time to the operation of this volunteer administered organization.

International Affiliates

Blissymbolics is used in over 33 countries and has been translated into 17 languages:

How Can You Help?

There are many ways to facilitate the work of BCI!

1. Take time to become a friend of Bliss. This comes first! We urge you to learn about Blissymbols and introduce yourself to a Bliss user either in your own community or electronically by joining BlissInternet.
2. Tell others about Blissymbols and Bliss users and encourage them to become "Friends of Bliss"
3. Make a donation to BCI. Help us to electronically pave the road to the Land of Bliss.