Category Advocacy

Creating Inclusive Playgrounds: The Proclamation of Communication Board Day

The City of Plantation, Florida, marked a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and communication accessibility. With the proclamation of "Communication Board Day," the city celebrated the remarkable contributions of Pamela Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP, and her collaboration with Smarty Symbols. This unprecedented event highlights the transformative power of communication boards in creating inclusive playgrounds and public spaces.
At Fairview Elementary School, the playground is transformed into a vibrant hub of interaction and learning, thanks to our innovative Communication Boards.

Enhancing Play and Communication: Fairview Elementary Embraces Inclusive Playgrounds

Welcome to our latest blog post at Smarty Symbols, where we celebrate the wonderful journey of enhancing communication and learning through visual support. At Fairview Elementary School, the playground is transformed into a vibrant hub of interaction and learning, thanks to our innovative Communication Boards. This enhancement is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their communication abilities, feels seen, valued, and included.
Communicattion Boards Funding

Funding for Inclusive Play: How to Secure a Communication Board for Your School or Playground

Looking for fundraising ideas to bring communication boards to your school or community playground? Explore a range of creative and effective strategies in this article. Discover how individuals and organizations have successfully secured funding through grassroots initiatives, partnerships with local businesses, and grant applications. Uncover the power of community engagement and the positive impact of communication boards on children of all abilities. Get inspired to take action and create inclusive play spaces that foster communication, belonging, and endless possibilities for every child.
Derek Walz Inclusive Playground Initiative - Use for images showing Derek or the overall playground.

Empowering Voices: How One Child’s Mission Transformed Recess for Non-Verbal Students

Discover the incredible story of Derek Walz, an 8-year-old with a heart full of compassion and a determination to make a difference. Inspired by a classmate's struggle to communicate during recess, Derek embarked on a mission to create a more inclusive playground experience for non-verbal students. Through his project to enhance recess through communication boards, Derek may be igniting a movement of compassion and inspiring children and adults alike to create positive change in their communities.
Making Waterparks More Inclusive and Accessible with Communication Board

Making Waterparks Inclusive with Communication Boards for Non-Verbal Children

Communication boards are a valuable tool for children with autism and non-speaking children to express their thoughts and feelings without the use of verbal speech. They have been a tool that many school districts have included in their playgrounds. City parks have also started to understand the importance of adding communication boards to their parks and playgrounds. Public libraries, pools and waterparks have just started to be aware of the importance of making their spaces inclusive for children who don't use verbal speech.