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Playground
Communication Boards
What is a Playground Communication Board?
Playground communication boards are large solid boards with symbol communication on them placed on or near playgrounds. These make communication accessible to AAC users while they're outside with friends and may be unable to use their high-tech devices due to weather or glare from the sun. These boards also raise awareness of AAC and are a great way to get the entire community familiar with symbol-based language!
OARC has created a guide (below) of information to consider when designing and installing a communication board at your playground.
OARC has created a guide (below) of information to consider when designing and installing a communication board at your playground.
Modeling on a Playground Board
Speak AAC to teach AAC!
The purpose of this is to demonstrate or "model" how to use symbols to communicate. Children need to see how this way of communicating works by watching others. This is a strategy that is supported by research and clinical experience as the best way to teach children to use AAC.
If your child likes to swing (who doesn't?!) then you use a word like "swing" or "go", if they want to play tag, use "Wanna play?". Just choose a single word or phrase from the board while you're playing. All you have to do is touch the word on the communication board and then say it at the same time. Have fun while doing this and be enthusiastic. We want their experience with AAC to be positive!
The purpose of this is to demonstrate or "model" how to use symbols to communicate. Children need to see how this way of communicating works by watching others. This is a strategy that is supported by research and clinical experience as the best way to teach children to use AAC.
If your child likes to swing (who doesn't?!) then you use a word like "swing" or "go", if they want to play tag, use "Wanna play?". Just choose a single word or phrase from the board while you're playing. All you have to do is touch the word on the communication board and then say it at the same time. Have fun while doing this and be enthusiastic. We want their experience with AAC to be positive!
Important Information
for creating your communication board
- Make sure the board is installed low enough for all children to access it (top of sign height: 4 ft, bottom of sign: 3 ft)
- All communication boards should be on hard material (i.e. plexiglass, wood)
- "Sandwich / A-frame" boards, vinyl signs, and decals could be considered dangerous and should not be used on the structuer (conderns about pinching, entrapment, etc)
- A vinyl communication board may be installed on a fence. Vinyl posted cannot be secured to the play structure for safety reasons
- Consider a panel that can be installed right on the structure (i.e. beside the top of the slide entrance). You will need to know the manufacturer of the current structure. This is listed on the playground equipment
- Some playground companies provide Communication Boards, others may let you create and customize your own. (Links to playground suppliers are listed below)
- You may need to source a sign company directly to print, and a separate landscaping company to install.
- Include core words, some (location-specific) playground fringe, games, and quick phrases (i.e. Do you want to play with me? / The ground is lava!) Refer to our sample list below.
- Add the alphabet and numbers 0-9
- Add instructions so everyone can learn how to model using the board.
- Make it colourful (choose Fitzgerald or Modified Fitzgerald colour coding) and use diverse symbols.
- Make it double-sided.
- Make it bilingual.
- Choose an appropriate symbol set. Do most of your students use Boardmaker (TD Snap) or Symbolstix (Proloquo2Go, TouchChat)? Students will not have to re-learn new , unfamiliar symbols. (Links to board permissions are listed below)
- Add a QR code that parents, caregivers and school staff can scan and instantly link to the a webpage where they can find more information on how to use AAC and to download a copy of the communication board to their phone. (www.oarc.ca or your school webpage)
- Costs can range from $1300 (stand-alone board) up to $5000 (customized panel on structure).
- Consider a school fundraiser or apply for a grant from The Manitoba Accessibility Fund (MAF).
- Be sure to thank your funder!
Words to Include on Your Board
Sample List
Fringe
ball
toy
bathroom
game
dog
friend
bully
toy
bathroom
game
dog
friend
bully
Core
fun
favourite
here
there
wait
hot
cold
hurt
happy
sad
mad
tired
scared
fast
slow
drink
catch
climb
drink
kick
pull
push
run
walk
wheel
throw
ride
watch
favourite
here
there
wait
hot
cold
hurt
happy
sad
mad
tired
scared
fast
slow
drink
catch
climb
drink
kick
pull
push
run
walk
wheel
throw
ride
watch
Chat / Phrases
cool / awesome
sorry
something's wrong
don't touch me
I'm hurt
This is fun!
Please wait
Do you want to play?
I want to play!
Let's talk
Let's go!
I have something to say
I don't understand
Show me
sorry
something's wrong
don't touch me
I'm hurt
This is fun!
Please wait
Do you want to play?
I want to play!
Let's talk
Let's go!
I have something to say
I don't understand
Show me
Other /
Quick Chat
yes
no
maybe / I don't know
hi
bye
your turn
my turn
no
maybe / I don't know
hi
bye
your turn
my turn
Equipment / Location
structure
slide
swing
sandbox
bridge
ladder
monkey bars
zipline
merry go round
tunnel
picnic table
bench
field school
home
country club
library
slide
swing
sandbox
bridge
ladder
monkey bars
zipline
merry go round
tunnel
picnic table
bench
field school
home
country club
library
Games
4 square
tag
hide & seek
the ground is lava
soccer
basketball
baseball
tag
hide & seek
the ground is lava
soccer
basketball
baseball
Links to Playground Suppliers
- Landscape Structures - offers a stand-alone Communication Board:
You cannot customize this board, or add instructions / QR code
It can be double-sided or bilingual
https://www.playlsi.com/en/commercial-playground-equipment/playground-components/symbol-communication-sign/
- Henderson Play - offers a custom panel
You can customize your symbols and have them directly installed on the playground structure next tot he equipment for the ultimate access! Say "GO DOWN" on the panel right next to the slide!
https://www.hendersonplay.com/product/custom-panel/
- Blue Imp - offers a stand-alone communication board
You cannot customize this board, or add instructions / QR code.
Double sided communication board with a cartoon description on reverse
https://www.blueimp.com/nav_product/playground-communication-board/?current=1404
- Playgrounds R Us
Contact this local supplier for more information
https://www.pru.ca/contact.html
Communication Boards and Permission
Proloquo2Go / TouchChat / Symbolstix: If the school owns a copy of Proloquo2Go, you do not require extra permission to use their symbols
https://www.assistiveware.com/media-resources
https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/quick-communication-boards
TD Snap / Boardmaker: Complete this form: https://www.tobiidynavox.com/pages/pcs-license-request
Teachers Pay Teachers:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/AAC-Playground-Communication-Board-Display-with-QR-link-to-speaking-board-large-9584671
Have you installed a board at your playground?
Send us your pics!
Send us your pics!
The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) is dedicated to enriching the lives of Manitobans who have communication difficulties or who are non-speaking by providing access to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
The Open Access Resource Centre acknowledges we are located upon Treaty #1 and the homeland of the Red River Metis Nation. We work in partnership with children, families and communities who reside on ancestral lands and traditional territories throughout Manitoba. We thank Mother Earth for life-sustaining waters. We understand all benefit from and take responsibility for these gifts.Open Access Resource Centre is committed to continued reflection and dialogue to ensure a place where everyone’s voice is heard.
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