Revealing The Impact Of Communication Boards In Lowell, MA

communication board

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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How To Help Navigate Emotions: Emotional Balance Communication Boards

Introduction:

As parents, caregivers, teachers, therapists, humans, we strive to help children navigate the complex world of emotions. Emotions are a fundamental part of our daily lives, influencing how we think, feel, and behave. For children, understanding and managing emotions can be especially challenging. Understanding and managing these feelings are  crucial for their well-being. Learning how to effectively and clearly express emotions can be challenging for children and adults alike.  A powerful tool that can assist in this process is emotional balance communication boards. These boards not only assist with effective communication but provide clear options for dealing with these big emotions. 

Understanding Emotional Balance/Regulation: 

Being able to clearly explain to adults and children alike how being emotionally balanced or regulated involves recognizing and managing one’s emotions in a healthy and constructive way.

Organizing and naming emotions:

Giving children and adults the exact words to name specific emotions is extremely powerful. When emotions run high (or low) having the tools to either give a child a voice by using a communication board or provide a visual reminder is imperative. 

Grouping emotions is a common way to organize  a communication board specific for emotional balance/regulation. For example: 

  • Sad, Tired, Sick, Bored: Low states of alertness and down feelings.
  • Happy, Calm, Focused: The optimal state for learning and socializing.
  • Frustrated, Anxious, Nervous: Elevated states of alertness and intense feelings.
  • Angry, Terrified, Jealous: Extremely heightened states of alertness and intense feelings.

Providing visual reminders

Once an emotion is communicated, providing options to support the child or adult as they manage validates their feelings and teaches life long skills for maintaining emotional balance. 

For each group of emotions identified above are specific techniques that are easy to incorporate in any situation. For example: 

  • Sad, Tired, Sick, Bored: eating or drinking something, asking for a break, talking to a trusted person
  • Happy, Calm, Focused: ready to work, ready to learn, listen for instructions
  • Frustrated, Anxious, Nervous: counting to 10, taking deep breaths, asking for a break
  • Angry, Terrified, Jealous: asking for space, taking a walk, getting a drink of water

 

Benefits to Children and Adults

  • Increased Independence: Using emotional balance communication boards empower children and adults to express their emotions independently, leading to increased confidence and self-esteem.
  • Improved Emotional Literacy: Consistent use of emotional balance communication boards can improve an individual’s emotional literacy, helping them better understand and manage their feelings.
  • Empathy and Understanding: Using emotional balance communication boards promotes empathy and understanding by encouraging children and adults to recognize and respect others’ emotions.

Tips for Use

  • Daily Check-ins-  Use the emotional balance communication board for daily check-ins 
  •   Practice Techniques and Strategies:  practice the strategies that can help children move from one emotional group to another (e.g., deep breathing for moving from heightened state to calm state).
  • Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for individuals to discuss their emotions and ask for help when needed

Conclusion:

In conclusion, incorporating emotional balance communication boards can be a powerful way to help children and adults identify, understand, and regulate their emotions. By using this framework, parents and caregivers can support individuals in developing essential emotional skills and techniques that will benefit them throughout their lives.

How To Look at  Access: Increase Playground Accessibility For Everyone

summer day playground

Access to playgrounds in more than physical. This week’s blog focuses on access for everyone.

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How To Encourage The Use of Communication Boards

Children using Playground communication boards

In this week’s blog, learn how to model and encourage the use of communication boards to increase communication and build meaningful relationships.

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How To Make Sure Inclusive Playgrounds Have What They Need

summer day playground

Inclusive 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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Following Your Schedule: How to get Back on Track

note book with daily routine

Holidays can be a time when the normal routine is disrupted. It’s time to get back on track and follow your daily routine.

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How to Get a Playground Communication Board for Your Local Playground

Playground communication board installed in city 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:

  1. **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.)
  1. **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?
  1. **Find Funding Sources**

 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. 
  1. **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
  1. **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 in creating a playground that speaks the language of joy, friendship, and inclusivity. Together, we’re building bridges that last a lifetime! 



playground with communication board
Communication Board mounted on chiain ink fence
children using a playground communication sign
Installed playground communication board in Randolph Oh

Days Before Christmas

‘Twas days before Christmas

And all thru the place,

Anticipation was brewing

Behaviors a disgrace.

 

Young and old are excited

Let’s celebrate – oh Joy!

Use your expected social skills

For every girl and boy.

 

With gifts a plenty

Don’t forget the magic word,

For friends and family,

“Thank you” must be heard.

 

All the smells and sounds

For many is bliss,

Yet other lament

“I can do without this!”

 

Have a plan in place 

Creating comfort abound,

Makes for a season

Of happiness all ‘round.

 

Happy Holidays to all

The message to you each,

Tidings of joy to everyone

From Lakeshore Speech!

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thumbs up icon
too loud icon
happy icon
Happy Holidays icon

Sensory-Friendly Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving table set with food

Celebrating Thanksgiving with a child with Autism may require some preparations ahead of time and on the special day to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

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