In the mid-1980s, a twelve-year old girl developed an invention that greatly helped people who have difficulty communicating. Rachel Zimmerman of Ontario, Canada created a software program using Blissymbols: symbols that enable non-speaking people, such as those with severe physical disabilities like cerebral palsy, to communicate.

The program user communicates by pointing to various symbols on a page or board through the use of a special touch pad. When the user touches the symbols, Zimmerman's "Blissymbol Printer" translates them into a written language. In this way, the user can record his or her thoughts or communicate via e-mail.

Zimmerman's system of communication started out as a project for a school science fair, but it ended up competing at the World Exhibition of Achievement of Young Inventors, winning a silver medal at the Canada-wide contest. The program also won the YTV Television Youth Achievement Award.

Rachel Zimmerman went on to study physics and space studies in college and now works for The Planetary Society in California, where she teaches people about space exploration. She is interested in combining space technology with assistive intelligence. Her goal is to take NASA innovations and tailor them to fit the needs of people with disabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rachel Zimmerman

Who is Rachel Zimmerman?

Rachel Zimmerman is a Canadian inventor who gained recognition at a young age for developing a communication device designed to help people with severe physical disabilities express themselves.

What did Rachel Zimmerman invent?

She invented the Blissymbol Printer, a device that allowed individuals who could not speak or type traditionally to communicate by selecting symbols that would then be printed in written language.

How old was Rachel Zimmerman when she created her invention?

She was still a teenager when she developed the Blissymbol Printer. Her work drew international attention because of both her age and the meaningful purpose behind the invention.

What is the Blissymbol Printer?

The Blissymbol Printer is a communication tool that uses a symbolic language system called Blissymbolics. Users select symbols, and the machine translates those symbols into readable text. This helped people with physical disabilities communicate more independently.

Why was her invention important?

At the time, assistive communication technology was limited. Her invention offered a practical way for individuals with limited mobility to express thoughts and needs, which had a significant impact on accessibility and independence.

What inspired Rachel Zimmerman to create this device?

She was motivated by a desire to help others. After learning about communication challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, she focused her skills and creativity on developing a practical solution.

Did Rachel Zimmerman receive recognition for her work?

Yes. Her invention earned her awards and international media attention. She was recognized not only for technical skill but also for using innovation to address an important social need.

Was Rachel Zimmerman a professional engineer at the time?

No. She was a student when she created her invention. Her accomplishment demonstrated that meaningful innovation can come from curiosity, empathy, and determination, even at a young age.

How did her invention influence assistive technology?

While technology has continued to evolve, her work contributed to the broader movement toward accessible communication tools. It helped highlight the importance of inclusive design.

What can aspiring inventors learn from Rachel Zimmerman?

Her story shows that age is not a barrier to innovation. Paying attention to real human needs and applying creativity toward solving them can lead to inventions that truly matter.