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Playground communication boards promote inclusion, social interaction and engagement for all children.
As speech-language pathologists at Resources at Lakeshore Speech, we work every day with children who communicate in diverse and meaningful ways. Our work is guided by evidence, grounded in compassion, and driven by a deep belief that every child deserves equitable access to communication—especially in play. One of the most powerful inclusive tools we support and design is playground communication boards, which are transforming parks, schools, and community spaces into environments where all children feel seen, heard, and welcomed.
In this blog, we’ll explore what playground communication boards are, why they matter, and how they support autistic children, neurodiverse children, and all learners. We’ll also outline how families, educators, and community leaders can work together to create inclusive, accessible play spaces.
What Is a Playground Communication Board?
A playground communication board is a large, durable outdoor display featuring picture symbols paired with words that represent essential vocabulary children use during play. These are similar to AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) boards used in therapy sessions or classrooms, but designed specifically for open outdoor spaces.
Most playground communication boards include:
- Core vocabulary words used across activities (e.g., go, stop, want, help, play, more)
- Fringe vocabulary tailored to outdoor, social, and physical play (e.g., swing, slide, climb, friend)
- Clear, easy-to-recognize symbols
- Multilingual options, based on community needs
- High-contrast layouts for visual accessibility
- Durable, weather-resistant materials
At Resources at Lakeshore Speech, we design and support boards created specifically for parks, playgrounds, pools, waterparks, therapeutic riding centers and a variety of community spaces.
The purpose is simple but profound:
To give every child access to communication—no matter their speech abilities, language background or learning style.
Communication Boards: Benefits for Children, Students and Families
While playground communication boards support children who use AAC, their impact is far broader. They encourage communication, collaboration, and community building among all children and families.
Key benefits of access and use to AAC we see in our daily practice:
Accessibility for Nonverbal, Autistic, and Neurodiverse Children
For many autistic children, non-speaking children, and neurodiverse peers, playgrounds can be overwhelming or difficult to navigate socially. A communication board becomes a visual support—a tool that reduces anxiety by supporting functional communicative interactions.
How communication boards support neurodiverse learners:
- Offer concrete visuals that reduce the cognitive load of processing language in loud environments
- Promote emotional regulation by giving children a way to ask for a turn, request help, or express needs
- Encourage independence by allowing children to initiate communication without relying solely on an adult
- Reduce frustration and prevent misunderstandings
- Facilitate successful participation in group play
When children have reliable, accessible tools, they gain confidence and a sense of belonging. This is the heart of inclusive play.
Social Inclusion and Peer Interaction
Play can be the great equalizer—if children have a shared way to communicate. Playground communication boards empower all kids to:
- Invite others to play
- Share ideas
- Request turns
- Comment on actions
- Problem-solve together
These interactions encourage social interaction and create a community where every child feels valued.
Neurotypical peers and siblings often use the board, too. When everyone participates, it normalizes AAC and eliminates stigma. We love seeing a group of children point to the board together while deciding what to play next—it’s a beautiful reminder that inclusion benefits everyone.
Support for Siblings, Peers and Educators
Children learn from each other long before they learn from adults. That’s why visual communication tools are so important in natural settings.
Playground communication boards support:
- Siblings, who want to help their brother or sister communicate, but aren’t always sure how
- Peers, who can model communication or follow a visual to include someone new
- Teachers and camp counselors, who need simple supports for groups with mixed communication needs
- Paraprofessionals and aides, who assist children with AAC devices
- Families, who may not yet be familiar with AAC vocabulary and strategies
We consistently hear from educators that the boards help reduce the pressure to verbally direct play. Instead of continually prompting, adults can gesture toward the board to support natural communication.
This shift strengthens children’s autonomy and empowers adults to facilitate rather than direct.
Case Studies: Success Stories from Parks, Schools and Communities
We see real-world impact every day. Here are a few examples—based on common outcomes we observe—of how playground communication boards change lives.
1. A Community Park Welcomes More Families
One of our partner community parks saw an increase in families visiting after installing a playground communication board. Parents of autistic children told us they felt more comfortable staying longer because their children were more engaged and less frustrated.
A mom shared that her son used the board to “tell” another child he wanted to swing. It was the first time she’d seen him initiate play with a peer without adult prompting.
The board provided a bridge that allowed him to connect in a new way.
2. A School Creates More Inclusive Recess
A local school district installed boards across multiple playgrounds to support their inclusive education model. Teachers quickly noticed that recess became smoother for students who previously struggled with transitions or group play.
One teacher told us, “It’s not just helping our autistic students—it’s helping everyone communicate better.”
Students from multilingual homes also benefited from the visuals, which helped them understand routines, negotiate turns, and join group play more easily.
3. A Preschool Uses the Board for Language Modeling
In an inclusive preschool, educators used the playground communication board to support language-rich routines outdoors. Instead of leaving AAC inside, they modeled vocabulary right on the board—actions, comments, requests, social phrases.
Within a few months, many of the children with language delays increased their spontaneous communication during outdoor play.
For many families, this was the first time they saw their child use symbols outside a therapy session.
How to Choose and Install a Playground Communication Board
Choosing the right playground communication board is essential for safety, accessibility, and long-term inclusion. Below is what we recommend based on evidence-based AAC practices and our experience designing these boards.
Materials, Durability, and Weatherproofing
Outdoor boards must withstand:
- Sun exposure
- Moisture
- Temperature changes
- Frequent touching
- Cleaning products
- Grafitti
The most durable options often use:
- Aluminum composite
- Anti-graffiti coatings
Well-designed boards last years with minimal maintenance.
Placement and Visibility
Where you place the board matters as much as what’s on it.
We recommend:
- Installing at wheelchair-accessible height
- Ensuring clear sight lines and easy access from multiple directions
- Placing near popular play areas: swings, slides, or climbing structures Avoiding areas prone to flooding or mud
- Providing enough space for multiple children and adults to gather
When we design boards, we keep universal design principles in mind—because visibility and access help everyone communicate, not only AAC users.
Customization for Local Needs
The most effective playground communication boards reflect the culture, languages, and play preferences of the community.
Customization may include:
- Bilingual or multilingual options
- Local landmarks or symbols
- School colors or district branding
- Vocabulary specific to the playground equipment
- QR codes linking to modeling videos
When children see familiar words, colors, and objects, the board feels like it belongs to them—and they’re more likely to use it.
Engaging Stakeholders: Families, Advocacy Groups, Staff and the Community
Successful installation requires collaboration among many voices.
Families
Families should be involved early, ensuring the board reflects real needs—especially for children with communication differences.
Advocacy Groups
Local disability advocates often support funding, community awareness, and maintenance initiatives.
School or Park Staff
These individuals ensure proper installation, secure mounting, and safe placement.
Community Leaders
Administrators, park districts, PTO groups and nonprofit organizations often spearhead fundraising and outreach.
When everyone understands the purpose and value of playground communication boards, communities become more inclusive at every level—not only on the playground.
Playground Communication Boards: Commonly Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently searched questions families and professionals ask. Including these helps make Resources at Lakeshore Speech a trusted source for reliable information.
Are playground communication boards only for autistic children?
No. While autistic children and neurodiverse children benefit greatly, these boards support all children—including multilingual learners, shy communicators, early talkers and peers developing social skills.
Do communication boards replace speech or AAC devices?
Not at all. They are a supplement, supporting communication in outdoor environments where devices may be difficult to use or carry.
What vocabulary should be included on a playground communication board?
A mix of core words (go, want, stop, help) and fringe words related to equipment and actions. Boards should avoid clutter and use consistent symbol sets.
How big should a communication board be?
Most boards range from 24 × 36 inches to 36 × 48 inches. Larger boards improve visibility and allow multiple children to use them at once.
Where should the board be installed?
Near high-traffic play areas, visible from multiple angles, and mounted at an accessible height.
Do playground communication boards actually increase social interaction?
Yes. Research on AAC and visual supports shows that shared symbols promote social participation, peer interaction, and communication initiation.
How long do boards last?
With proper materials, many outdoor communication boards last 5–10 years.
Who pays for playground communication boards?
Funding may come from PTO groups, school districts, grants, park districts, nonprofits, or community donations.
Conclusion: The Future of Inclusive Play and Learning
Playgrounds should be inviting, joyful spaces where every child—speaking or non-speaking, autistic or neurotypical, shy or outgoing—feels empowered to communicate and connect.
Playground communication boards make that possible. They support inclusion, foster meaningful peer interactions and strengthen family engagement. They also send a powerful message: communication belongs to everyone.
As speech-language pathologists, we’ve seen firsthand how these tools transform communities. When you bring communication into the heart of a playground, you create a space where all children thrive—together.
If your school, park, or community is ready to bring more inclusion and accessibility to your playground, we’re here to help.
Contact Resources at Lakeshore Speech to request support in choosing, customizing or installing a playground communication board.
We’d love to help you build a more inclusive community—one play space at a time.
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