Summary: To use the communication boards, children (or anyone with speech difficulty) point to pictures on the display to express their thoughts and feelings. During the May Parks Board Meeting, Willow Park Police Sergeant Ramirez made a professional and personal presentation to the Board on the benefits of Communication Boards in public areas, especially those where children congregate such as playgrounds, parks, and trails. Sponsorships available.
Latest Update: Tuesday, 16 May, 2023
Adding Communication Boards to WP Playgrounds, Parks, and Trails
During the 02 May 2023 Parks Board Meeting, Willow Park Police Sergeant Ramirez made a professional and personal presentation to the Board on the benefits of Communication Boards in public areas, especially those where children congregate such as playgrounds, parks, and trails.
NOTE: If you or a company you know would like to sponsor one of these Communication Boards, contact Toni Fisher, Planning & Development Director, (817) 441-7108 x100
"To use the communication boards, children point to pictures on the display to express their thoughts and feelings. The symbols on the board were taken from a communication product called TouchChat and were selected by speech-language pathologists specifically for use on playgrounds. The boards, which also include braille, are designed to encourage a sense of community as well as an inclusive, more equitable play environment." [2]
Sergeant Ramirez reported the following:
The purpose of a Communication Board is to provide a voice for those with communication challenges, as their way to “speak” and communicate with others
It is a structured way to interact and connect for those with, but not limited to, Autism, Down Syndrome, other developmental delays, and those who are hearing or visually impaired.
The photos on the board come from speech programs which are used as effective forms of communication by Speech language Pathologist/Therapist and, in application programs such as Proloquo2Go. These programs are used by both children and adults.
The communication board includes English on one side and Spanish on the other. Braille is also added for those with hearing/vision impairments.
This board will assist first responders and community members during times of need
Willow Park Civics Research and Sources 1. Howard County Unveils Two Innovative Nonverbal Communication Boards at Blandair Park Playground, Howard County [MD], 15 April 2023
2. Nonverbal Communication Boards Installed At New HoCo Playground, 19 April 2021, Excerpts
Two innovative nonverbal communication boards have been installed at Blandair Regional Park’s new “Play for All” playground. The boards, which were partially funded by the Howard County Autism Society, allow nonverbal children to communicate without the use of personal augmentative and alternative communication devices. The 300-acre park’s Play for All playground is set to open this spring.
To use the communication boards, children point to pictures on the display to express their thoughts and feelings. The symbols on the board were taken from a communication product called TouchChat and were selected by speech-language pathologists specifically for use on playgrounds. The boards, which also include braille, are designed to encourage a sense of community as well as an inclusive, more equitable play environment, according to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.
“Howard County is constantly working towards creating a more inclusive community, for all,” Ball said. “These communication boards are a welcome addition to this state-of-the-art park and will allow for more of our children of all abilities to have a positive experience at our playground.”
• Touch Chat Communicating with the world around you is challenging when you have difficulty speaking with your natural voice. Using the familiarity of iOS technology, the TouchChat app offers you a dynamic communication solution with easy-to-customize features and a wide range of vocabularies. Touch Chat also offers Head Tracking, Split Screen, Live online webinars and video tutorials.