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Recess is often a favorite part of the
day for young children, but for some, it can also be one of the most
challenging times to communicate. At Adams Early Childhood Center,
several students are non-verbal or have limited verbal communication
skills. To make the playground a more inclusive space for all
students, the school recently installed a Communication Board
designed to help every child express themselves during play.
This meaningful project was made possible through the dedication of
Amy Turner, Speech Language Pathologist; Brianna Lowe and Ashlyn
Carroll, classroom teachers who work daily with students and
recognized the need for more inclusive communication tools.
Together, they envisioned a way for students to communicate safely
and naturally outdoors.
Traditional Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) devices:
personal communication tools that can cost between $4,000 and $6,000
are essential for many students inside the classroom. However, these
devices are not designed for outdoor use and can be easily damaged
or lost on the playground. The new board provides a durable,
weather-resistant alternative, featuring symbols from the TouchChat
program, which mirrors the AAC devices students already use. This
allows children to point to pictures to share needs, thoughts, and
feelings while playing with friends.
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Photo provided by Chris Allen | Assistant Superintendent
The project would
not have been possible without the generous support of Rachel
Marten and Heartland Bank, who funded the entire initiative.
Their contribution has helped ensure that every student at Adams
Early Childhood Center has the opportunity to connect, play, and
be heard. Through this collaboration, Adams Early Childhood
Center continues to lead with compassion and innovation by
creating a playground where every child’s voice matters. |
