Special boards that help boost communication skills for children are installed at Council play parks
Posted on 27 Nov 2023
North Ayrshire Council is continuing to make play accessible for all children by installing communication boards in parks.
The boards make a big difference to youngsters with neurodivergent conditions – including autism, dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - by giving them simple images, symbols and patterns to help them express themselves and communicate.
They also help children to independently indicate how they feel or what they need, which is particularly good for those who are non-verbal.
Symbols included are those for: stop, eat, help, good, bad, hello, thank you, look, watch and listen.
The boards can also encourage other children to interact with those who can’t speak and get them involved in their play and activities.
So far, the Council’s Streetscene team has installed boards at seven parks: Mackerston at Largs; Dalry; Brodick on Arran; Eglinton Park in Irvine; Winton Circus in Saltcoats; Stevenston and Fairlie.
Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “These boards are a great tool that helps make play fun and enjoyable for all children.
“As a Council, it is our aim to ensure that our play facilities are suitable for all, and are inclusive. One of the great joys of being a child is the freedom to play outdoors, and we want all young people to be able to make the best of the facilities.”
Work to improve and update play equipment at the Council’s 95 play parks is also progressing well.
Various pieces of equipment are being installed, and providing opportunities for those with mobility issues and disabilities is at the heart of the programme.
You can find out where to take children to play at Council parks across North Ayrshire online here: https://tinyurl.com/z89j2jsd
The board at Stevenston has been vandalised twice recently, and you can also report any damaged equipment or incidents using the link above.
The Council follows and respects The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to ensure that all children’s rights are respected and that they are free to learn, play and develop.
Article 31 of the Convention states that each child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities – and these boards are a great example of this being put into practice.
Neurodivergence is a term for people whose brains function differently than is considered standard or typical.
It refers to individuals who live with conditions relating to cognitive functions and social ability, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, obsessive compulsive disorder Tourette’s Syndrome Asperger’s Syndrome and many others.
You can see the full list of UNCRC articles here in a user-friendly graphic: https://uni.cf/2P2l0ZZ