At Resources at Lakeshore Speech, we’ve seen firsthand that a child’s “voice” doesn’t stop at the classroom door. As SLPs, we know that the playground is where some of the most vital social-emotional learning happens. However, for many children, these spaces can feel isolating without the right tools.

Communication board design is one of the most effective ways to bridge that gap. By bringing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) into the sunshine, we aren’t just providing a tool—we’re validating a language. This guide explores how to design these boards so they truly serve the families who need them most.

As we enter the “Spring into Action” season, many park departments and school boards are looking for ways to refresh their outdoor spaces. In our clinical experience, there is no better way to “spring into action” than by ensuring the very foundation of your community—the playground—is accessible to every single child, regardless of how they communicate. When we look at a park, we don’t just see equipment; we see opportunities for connection, and communication boards are the physical manifestation of that opportunity.

What exactly is a Communication Board?

We refer to these as a form of “Light-Tech” AAC. These boards use symbols and pictures to help children—especially those with Autism, apraxia, or Down syndrome—express their thoughts when verbal speech is difficult.

On a playground, a board acts as a “point-and-talk” station. Instead of a child feeling frustrated because they can’t ask for the “swing,” they can simply point to a symbol. This reduces the “communication breakdown” and invites neurotypical peers to interact in a way that is natural and visual.

It is important to remember that AAC is not a “replacement” for speech; rather, it is a tool that supports and enhances it. For many of our clients, having a visual representation of a word actually reduces the cognitive load required to produce speech. When a child isn’t struggling to find the motor plan for the word “slide,” they are free to focus on the joy of the activity itself. This is why communication board design must be intuitive—if a child has to hunt for a symbol for more than a few seconds, the “teachable moment” has often passed.

The Shift Toward Universal Design

Historically, we kept communication aids in small, portable folders. But as we move toward Universal Design, we are seeing these tools installed as permanent fixtures in parks. This shift tells our families: “We didn’t just build a park for some kids; we built it for yours, too.”

Universal Design is a framework that suggests environments should be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. By integrating communication board design into the initial blueprint of a park, we move away from “special needs” being an afterthought and toward “human needs” being the primary focus. It turns a segregated experience into a shared one.

Why do Communication Boards Matter in Public Spaces?

As clinicians, we look at the playground as a “naturalistic environment” for language growth. Here is why inclusive playground design is so impactful:

• Modeling in the Wild: For a child to learn AAC, they need to see others use it. When a parent points to “go” while pushing the swing, they are modeling language in real-time.
• Reducing “Behavior” via Expression: We often say “behavior is communication.” When a child has a functional way to say “help” or “all done,” the frustration that leads to meltdowns often melts away.
• Normalizing Neurodiversity: When every child in the neighborhood sees a communication board, AAC becomes “normal” rather than “different.” It builds a community of empathy from the ground up.

Furthermore, these boards serve as a safety net. Imagine a child who wanders or “elopes” (a common safety concern in the neurodivergent community). If that child is non-speaking and becomes separated from their caregiver, a communication board at the park entrance can be a literal lifesaver, allowing the child to point to symbols like “lost” or “mom” to communicate with a helping adult. This safety aspect is a frequently overlooked but vital component of communication board design in public infrastructure.

SLP Tips for Effective Communication Board Design

When you start planning, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by materials. Here is what we recommend focusing on to ensure the board is actually functional for the kids.

1. Durability and “Play-Proof” Materials

Since playground communication boards live outdoors, they need to be tough. We look for:

• High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or heavy-duty aluminum.
• UV-resistant coatings so the symbols don’t fade (if the “Stop” sign turns white, it loses its meaning!).
• Non-glare surfaces to help children with visual processing needs see the icons clearly even in midday sun.

From an SLP perspective, the “tactile” feel of the board matters too. Children often “tap” or “slap” the icons with enthusiasm. We need materials that can take the vibration of a heavy-handed “Point” without rattling or degrading. We also have to consider the “cleaning” factor. Playgrounds are high-germ environments; effective communication board design ensures the surface can be wiped down with industrial-grade disinfectants without the ink running or the symbols peeling away.

2. The “Gold Standard” of Layout: Core Vocabulary

The most important part of communication board design is the vocabulary. We advocate for a “Core Vocabulary” approach.

• Core Words: These are high-frequency words like want, more, stop, go, help, I, you. They should take up the bulk of the board because they can be used in almost any situation.
• Fringe Words: These are specific nouns like slide, swing, ball, or snack.
• Consistency: Symbols should be placed where a child can reach them—ideally with the most used icons at chest height for a child or someone in a wheelchair.

In the world of AAC, “Motor Memory” is everything. Think about how you type on a keyboard without looking—that’s motor memory. If we change the location of the “Help” button every time we design a new board, the child has to relearn the “map.” Professional communication board design respects the user by keeping core words in consistent, predictable grids. This allows a child to become a “fast” communicator, which is essential when they are trying to keep up with the fast-paced world of playground play.

Can I Customize My Board for My Community?

Yes! One size rarely fits all in speech therapy, and the same goes for playgrounds.

• Bilingual Support: If your neighborhood has many Spanish-speaking families, your board should absolutely be bilingual.
• Site-Specific Symbols: A board at a pool needs different “fringe” vocabulary (like splash or cold) than a board at a wooded nature trail.
• Symbol Sets: Whether you use Boardmaker (PCS) or SymbolStix, try to match what the local school district uses so the children have a “fluent” transition from school to play.

We also suggest thinking about the “Social-Emotional” vocabulary. Inclusion isn’t just about asking for a turn on the slide; it’s about making friends. Does your communication board design include icons for “My turn,” “Your turn,” “Play with me,” or “I like that”? These are the building blocks of friendship. By including social bridge words, we give neurodivergent children the tools to initiate play, which is one of the hardest—but most rewarding—social skills to master.

Let’s Build a More Inclusive Playground Together

Transitioning from a traditional playground to an inclusive one is a big step, and it’s okay to have questions about the clinical side of the process. At Resources at Lakeshore Speech, we don’t just “sell” boards—we partner with communities to make sure the communication board design is linguistically sound and culturally relevant.

As you look to “Spring into Action” this month, think about the voices in your community that are currently unheard.

Are you curious about which symbols would work best for your specific park or how to fund an installation? We’d love to chat!