Communication boards for our accessible playgrounds

Published on 13 November 2024

We all love to chat, and conversation is an important part of creating belonging and connection, enabling inclusion, interaction, and successful communication, but not everyone can do this verbally.

Glenelg Shire Council supports community members and visitors to our Shire with disabilities by creating a community that is accessible and inclusive to people of all abilities.

One of the ways we are doing this is by including playground communication boards within our accessible playgrounds.

Playground communication boards are large boards with words and symbols which are used to support the expression of thought, needs, wants and ideas for people who may have difficulty communicating via speech.

These boards benefit everyone, including people with low literacy or language barriers.

The first Playground Communication Board has been installed in the Pulambeet All Abilities Play Space.

The Boardmaker Picture Communication System (PCS) symbols have been used as these symbols are widely used and recognised by people and children who use symbols to communicate.

Council’s playground communication boards include instructions for use, along with a QR Code, so users can scan the board and walk around the Play Space with the downloaded playground communication board on their personal device.

A QR Code is also included on Council’s website so that caregivers can print or download the board before visiting the Play Space.

Council is seeking community feedback on which accessible playground should have a communication board next. To place your vote head to our Your Say Glenelg page at https://yoursay.glenelg.vic.gov.au/playground-communication-boards.