Learn how understanding the use of AAC can build a community of compassionate accepting individuals.
Continue readingHow To Make Sure Inclusive Playgrounds Have What They Need
Inclusive playgrounds create an environment of acceptance for all children. When designing a playground it is important to include the key elements.
Continue readingHow to Secure a Playground Communication Board for Your Local Playground
Introduce a Communication Board to your local Playground!
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.
**Why a Playground Communication Board?**
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.
**How Can You Help?**
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:
**Make a plan:**
Ask yourself (and your committee) these questions as this project takes shape:
- What playground would benefit from communication boards?
- What languages are predominantly spoken in your community?
- How would the communication boards best be installed (ie: free standing in a frame, attached to a fence, attached to a piece of equipment, secured to a side of a building, etc.)
**Research Your Options**
When looking for a company to provide the communication signs, you want to ask the following questions:
- Has a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist developed the vocabulary?
- Can the communication sign be 100% customized if need be at a reasonable price?
- Is the overall price reasonable?
- Is communication with a REAL PERSON easy, efficient and effective?
- Does the company stand behind the quality of their communication signs?
Everyone likes to be part of a great idea that helps everyone in the community.
- Research different funding opportunities in your community.
- Get creative and host a mini-fundraiser in your neighborhood, school, or workplace. Bake sales, garage sales, or even a fun-themed event can make a big impact.
- Reach Out to Local Businesses – local businesses love supporting community projects. Approach them and see if they would be interested in sponsoring our playground communication board.
**Making it all come together**
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:
- Ensure you receive a draft copy of the artwork/layout prior to production.
- Share your agency’s and/or funding source’s logo to be included on the communication sign
- Expect frequent and clear communication
**Celebrate**
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:
- Inclusivity Matters: Every child deserves the chance to play and communicate on the playground.
- Building Friendships is Important: The communication board isn’t just a tool; it’s a bridge to new friendships and shared adventures.
- Community Unity Matters: Together, you helped to create a community that embraces and supports every child’s unique abilities.
Bonus tip:
**Stay Connected:**
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!
How to Fund Playground Communication Boards
Communication boards are important for people with communication differences. Communication boards give people a voice to build relationships. Getting a playground or pool communication board can be more difficult because of the cost. Today’s blog will look at the different ways to get funding for communication boards.
Grants and Foundations
Some groups give money to projects that help people with disabilities. Look for grants from groups that help provide communication devices for people. Apply for these grants to get money for communication boards.
Corporate Sponsorship
Ask local businesses for help. Some companies like to support projects in their community. Make a plan that shows how playground communication boards can make a big difference. This might get businesses to give money to your project.
Crowdfunding Campaigns
Use websites like Kickstarter or GoFundMe to ask for small amounts of money from many people. Share stories about why playground/pool communication boards are important. Your friends and others might give money to help out.
Community Events and Fundraisers
Do things in your town to get people excited about helping. Maybe have a walk or a fun run to get money. Work with local schools and businesses to make events that bring in money for playground communication boards.
Government Grants and Programs
Sometimes, the government gives money for projects that help people with disabilities. Look into these grants and ask for help. Tell them how playground communication boards can make a positive change.
Partnerships with Educational Institutions
Work with schools and colleges that have programs for special education. They might help with resources and money. Partnering with them can make it easier to get playground communication boards.
Conclusion
Getting money for playground communication boards may require you to try different ways to find funding, but you can make it happen. By using these ideas, you can get the help to change the lives of many. As more people understand why playground/pool communication boards matter, it will be easier to get support and provide everyone a voice.
Help your Community – Shop Local
In a world dominated by large corporations, the importance of supporting small businesses cannot be overlooked. Choosing to shop small is a powerful decision that goes through communities, increasing economic growth, uniqueness, and a stronger sense of connection.
Continue readingCommunication Boards by the Pool
Pool communication boards can make it easier for everyone to have a good time in the pool, especially people with communication differences.
Continue readingImproving Inclusivity in City Parks
Playgrounds are loved by young and old. Playground communication boards play an important role in creating a sense of inclusivity, support and community in city playgrounds.
Continue readingThe Power of Playground Communication Boards
Discover the significance of AAC Awareness Month in October and explore the transformative power of playground communication boards. In this insightful article, we delve into the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), shedding light on its importance for individuals with communication challenges. Learn how playground communication boards foster inclusivity, encourage social interaction, and promote language development among children, all while making outdoor play areas accessible to everyone. Join us in celebrating AAC Awareness Month and discover how these communication tools create opportunities for communication, empathy, and connection. Explore the ways you can support AAC initiatives and make a difference in the lives of those who rely on AAC, both on the playground and beyond. #AACAwarenessMonth #PlaygroundCommunication #Inclusivity #AACSupport
Continue readingHow to Use Coupons to Build Communication
Coupons can help create communicaiton
Junk mail, inserts in the Sunday papers….those shiny glossy teeny tiny piece of paper worth $.25, $.50, $1!!!!! If you are savvy shopper your coupons are organized and ready to go with every shopping trip. If you are not the organized savvy shopper, your coupons are a crumpled at the bottom of your purse or better yet in a pile on the kitchen counter, never to see the inside of a store.
Coupons are not just for saving a few pennies! Coupons open the door for communication! There are a number of easy – and fast – ways to not only create a mode of communication for your child, but to help she/he practice specific sounds, increase story telling, turn taking, and the list goes on!
How to Use Coupons to Create a Communication Board
Coupon Communication Board: use coupons or the adds surrounding the coupons to make a simple communication board for your child. Cut the object on coupon object out and tape or glue it in a grid form on a piece of paper. The next time you are playing 20 questions trying to figure out what your child would like for a snack, a drink, breakfast, lunch or dinner simply pull out your “Coupon Communication Board” and have she/he point to the choice.
Expanding Communication
Coupons expand communication: not only can coupons create a wonder communication board, but those glossy adds make for wonderful ‘stories’ to talk about. What do you see? What is that? Who is that? What are they doing? Should a doggie be allowed to play with toilet paper? Does candy really talk? Touch something blue. Do you see anything that flies? The number of questions to elicit and expand communication is endless!
No need to go crazy trying to find that ‘just right picture’, they’re right under your nose. Coupons are for communication!
Yours in Speech,
Lakeshore Speech Therapy, LLC.