Inclusive Playground Communication Boards At Resources at Lakeshore Speech, we believe that communication is a fundamental human right that shouldn’t stop when a child hits the playground. Our collection of playground communication boards is designed by licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) with over 60 years of combined experience to ensure that every child—regardless of their verbal ability—can advocate for their needs, interact with peers, and experience the joy of inclusive play.Expert-Designed for Real-World PlayUnlike generic signs, our boards utilize evidence-based AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) principles. We incorporate high-frequency Core Vocabulary (like go, stop, help, and more) and specialized Fringe Vocabulary tailored specifically to outdoor play environments. By offering symbols from industry-standard libraries like Boardmaker© and SymbolStix©, we provide a consistent “language” that matches what many children already use in their classrooms or on personal devices.Durable, Customizable, and Community-FocusedOur communication boards are engineered to be “park-tough.” Built from high-grade, 3mm marine-grade aluminum composite, they are UV-resistant, waterproof, and designed to withstand everything from coastal humidity to intense sun.100% Customizable: We offer bespoke designs to match your specific playground equipment and can include agency or donor logos at no extra cost.Multilingual Options: Support your local community with bilingual boards in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and more.Integrated Support: Every board features a QR code linking to professional “how-to” modeling videos, providing immediate guidance to parents and caregivers in the moment.Whether you are a park director, a school administrator, or a parent advocate, our resources—including grant proposal templates and funding guides—are here to help you transform your community space into a truly accessible environment where every voice is heard.
We are aware and understand the profound impact that communication boards can have in creating inclusive, accessible environments for all children. This comprehensive guide will provide the strategies and insights needed to advocate effectively for the installation of communication boards in your local municipalities.
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Preparing for a new school year can be both exciting and overwhelming. With a bit of planning and some practical tips, we can make this transition smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your child.
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Communication boards are essential tools in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) used to support individuals with speech and language differences. For those unfamiliar with AAC, creating sentences using core words on a communication board might seem daunting.
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July marks Parks and Recreation Month, a time to celebrate the vibrant public spaces. We turn our focus on Lowell, Massachusetts, where an innovative approach to inclusivity has made a significant positive impact on the community.
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Playground communication boards have emerged as a powerful solution to bridge the gap and facilitate meaningful relationships, especially for individuals with communication challenges.
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In the realm of ADA compliance for playgrounds, it’s crucial to prioritize communication boards alongside physical accessibility. While physical access is essential, integrating communication boards significantly enhances playground inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
Continue readingCelebrate the authentic heroes of speech therapy carry-over – siblings. Celebrate their role; encourage and empower siblings to be active participants in their brother or sister’s speech therapy journey.
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Understanding the different symbol systems used in AAC can help you better support individuals with communication differences. In this week’s blog we will take a deeper look into some of the symbols systems.
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Giving everyone a voice to express their love on Valentine’s Day does not have to be hard.
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Imagine this: the sun shining, laughter echoing, and kids of all abilities playing together on the playground. Wouldn’t that be incredible? YOU can make this happen! Introducing a special communication board to your community playground, ensures that every child, regardless of their communication abilities, can join in the fun.
Some of our friends need a little extra help talking. A communication board on the playground opens up a world of play and connection for everyone. It’s not just a board; it’s a bridge that connects hearts and creates lasting friendships.
We believe in the power of community! By making a commitment to provide a playground communication board to your local playground, you become a superhero in making the playground inclusive and accessible for all. Here are 5 easy steps for how you can be a part of this exciting journey:
Ask yourself (and your committee) these questions as this project takes shape:
When looking for a company to provide the communication signs, you want to ask the following questions:
Everyone likes to be part of a great idea that helps everyone in the community.
Once your vision is set, you’ve made your selection and the funding is in place, it is important that the production of the communication sign is fast and accurate:
When your playground communication board arrives, plan for a playground part to unveil this great accomplishment. Celebrate the fact that you have made a firm statement in your community that:
Bonus tip:
Record your journey on social media with regular updates, stories of triumph, and a behind-the-scenes look at how your contributions are making a real difference.
Join us at Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC. in creating a playground that speaks the language of joy, friendship, and inclusivity. Together, we’re building bridges that last a lifetime!
