Playground Communication Boards in Beverly, MA

Hi All!

I am fundraising money to help fund playground communication boards at three elementary schools (Centerville, Cove, and Hannah) as well as at the public preschool (McKeown) in Beverly, MA. Ayers Elementary School is scheduled to have a new playground with a communication board included! And I just found out that North Beverly just received a grant to install one!

My daughter, Ella is one of the most incredible children you will ever meet! Ella is five years old, autistic, and non-speaking. Ella uses an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) which we refer to as her "talker". Ella carries around her iPad with a program called TouchChat with WordPower. She is able to communicate by pushing buttons, and is beginning to learn to type messages. She is able to socialize with peers, express how she is feeling, request what she needs and so much more. Having AAC has changed not only Ella's life, but our family. It has allowed us a way to communicate and her younger brother, Ben (2) has just got his own AAC as he begins to build upon his language.

We have done our best to educate others within the community about communication differences, as well as the importance of acceptance and inclusion. One way to make our community even more inclusive is by adding playground communication boards to our schools in Beverly, MA with a long term goal of adding these boards to all of our public playgrounds.

These playground communications boards are essential for several reasons:

1. Inclusivity: Communication boards on playgrounds facilitate inclusivity by providing a means for non-speaking or differently-abled children to interact and communicate with their peers. These boards can include symbols, pictures, or simple text that enable children with speech or language difficulties to express themselves and engage in social activities.

2. Social Interaction: Playgrounds are vital spaces for social interaction and development. By installing communication boards, schools create opportunities for all children to engage in meaningful interactions, fostering friendships, empathy, and understanding among students.

3. Language Development: Communication boards support language development by offering visual aids that reinforce vocabulary and language skills. Through interaction with the boards, children can learn new words, practice communication, and enhance their overall language abilities.

4. Accessibility: Access to communication boards ensures that every child, regardless of their communication abilities, can participate in playground activities. It promotes accessibility and ensures that no child feels excluded or isolated during playtime.

5. Educational Support: Communication boards can also serve as educational tools, reinforcing concepts learned in the classroom through interactive play. They provide opportunities for teachers to incorporate language and literacy activities into outdoor play, promoting holistic learning experiences.

6. Long-term Benefits: Investing in communication boards yields long-term benefits for both individual students and the school community as a whole. Improved communication skills and inclusive playground environments contribute to overall academic success, social-emotional well-being, and a positive school culture.

Ultimately, it is an investment in creating a more inclusive and supportive school environment where every child can thrive.

*Read more about playground communication boards in the article linked!

Playground Communication Boards in Marblehead

***Each board costs $500 plus the cost of materials to secure signs. These boards were designed by a Speech and Language Pathologist named Jessica Brown, from Marblehead, MA. Her practice is called The Power of Speech.