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.
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Access to playgrounds in more than physical. This week’s blog focuses on access for everyone.
Continue readingLearn how understanding the use of AAC can build a community of compassionate accepting individuals.
Continue readingInclusive playgrounds create an environment of acceptance for all children. When designing a playground it is important to include the key elements.
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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! Request a free quote today.
Communication boards give non-verbal individuals and those with speech differences a voice to build relationships in public spaces. However, bringing a playground or pool communication board to your local park can feel challenging due to upfront costs.
Fortunately, you don’t have to carry the financial load alone. Today, we’re breaking down six practical ways to secure playground communication board funding for your school, park, or community center.
Many non-profit organizations offer dedicated grant funding for AAC boards and assistive technology. Look into national disability organizations or regional community foundations that support inclusion initiatives. Applying for these specialized grants is often the most direct route to secure full project funding.
Local businesses love supporting projects that directly impact their immediate community. Create a simple pitch deck showing how outdoor communication signage makes local spaces inclusive. Pitching a local business owner with a tangible goal (e.g., “$1,500 sponsors one board”) can secure quick funding in exchange for their logo on the sign.
Platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe allow you to collect smaller donations from many community members. When setting up your campaign:
Share personal stories about why inclusive play matters.
Detail exact costs so donors know where their money goes.
Ask local community groups to share the campaign link.
Organize local events like a 5K fun run, a charity bake sale, or a community walk to raise awareness while collecting donations. Partnering with local schools or parks departments for these events helps get more people excited about funding accessible play equipment.
Municipal, state, and federal grants frequently allocate funds for park improvements, ADA compliance, and public accessibility projects. Check with your local city council or parks and recreation board to see if existing public improvement funds can be applied to communication signage.
Reach out to local universities, colleges, or school districts with special education or speech-language pathology programs. Educational institutions often have access to unique departmental grants or student research funds that can be co-applied toward public accessibility projects.
Finding playground communication board funding requires exploring a mix of local and institutional resources, but the payoff is immense. By combining local business support, grants, and grass-roots fundraising, you can give non-verbal children and adults a voice on every playground.
Ready to start? We are here to help. Contact us or Request a Quote today!
Yours in Speech,
Resources at Lakeshore Speech
