Welcome! Here, you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our innovative communication tools. Our goal is to help you understand how Communication Boards by Smarty Symbols can enhance communication, learning, and play in various settings—from school playgrounds to community parks.
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The main difference between the two playground communication board designs for schools is the number of words included on the board. The School Playground Communication Board features a total of 78 words and is designed for elementary schools from kindergarten to 5th grade, while the Simplified School Playground Communication Board features a total of 55 words and is designed specifically for pre-K playground environments. Both boards are weather-resistant, fully customizable, and promote communication and social interaction among students. The School Playground Communication Board includes a wider range of vocabulary words and is suitable for a broader age range of students, while the Simplified School Playground Communication Board is designed with younger students in mind and features essential vocabulary words that are most relevant to pre-K playground settings.
Playground Communication Boards by Smarty Symbols are custom designed communication boards designed to make spaces more inclusive for all communicators. They utilize our diverse and inclusive library of symbols to support effective learning and interaction.
Absolutely! Customization is at the heart of Smarty Symbols. You can select from over 60,000 images in our Smarty Symbols Image Library to tailor the communication boards to your specific educational requirements.
You can purchase our Communication Boards directly from our website. You can also send a purchase order or request a quote using our contact form.
Yes, we provide a range of support materials and training guides to help you make the most out of your Communication Boards. These resources are designed to help you implement and use our products effectively in your educational settings.
The typical lifespan of a communication board depends on several factors, including the material it is made from, the quality of the construction, the environment in which it is used, and how well it is maintained. Here are some general guidelines for the durability of different materials:
To extend the lifespan of your communication board, it is essential to follow proper maintenance and care instructions. This includes cleaning the board regularly, avoiding exposure to extreme conditions, and checking for any signs of wear or damage. By taking care of your communication board, you can ensure it remains effective and functional for as long as possible.
To further extend the lifespan of your communication board, you can consider adding a protective layer of plexiglass to the surface. Plexiglass is a transparent, durable, and lightweight material that provides an additional layer of protection against wear and tear, as well as environmental factors such as moisture and sunlight.
Adding plexiglass to your communication board can help preserve the printed images and text, ensuring that they remain vibrant and legible for an extended period. This option is particularly beneficial for boards placed in high-traffic or outdoor areas, where they may be exposed to harsher conditions or more frequent use.
Given that this is a highly customizable product. We do not offer a refund on the product. However, our team is happy to work to make sure you are happy with the product before any fabrication takes place. That’s why it is very important that you ask all your questions prior to fabrication of your board. If your board arrives damaged, please submit photos of the damage and the box immediately upon arrival so we can address it promptly.
Under no circumstance we will issue a new reprint of products beyond 30 days from delivery of your product.
The material you select for your communication board depends on factors such as the intended use, location, and budget. Here are the three material options offered by Smarty Symbols along with their characteristics to help you make an informed decision:
When selecting a material, consider the environment in which the board will be placed, your budget, and any specific aesthetic preferences. If you are still unsure about which material to choose, you can always reach out to the Smarty Symbols team for guidance based on your particular needs and requirements. Here is a brochure with installation ideas, which can help determine the best material for your need.
Smarty Symbols offers boards made from a variety of high-quality materials to suit different needs and preferences. Some of the materials available include:
Of the three materials used for Smarty Symbols communication boards, aluminum is the most durable option. The aluminum boards are made up of two 0.008″ aluminum sheets sandwiching a solid polyethylene core. These boards are known for their excellent durability, weather resistance, and resistance to fading and abrasion.
Aluminum boards are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them a reliable choice for long-term applications. Additionally, they can be printed with eco-friendly, weather-resistant UV ink, and an optional extra UV protection glossy layer can be added for further protection. However, these boards are not recommended for extremely hot environments without an additional layer of plexiglass. As children will be touching it to communicate. In such case, the plastic is the more recommended material.
While plastic (6MM PVC/Sintra) boards are also durable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use, they may not be as resistant to extreme conditions as aluminum boards. But will still last years. Wooden (High-Density Fiberboard) boards are weather-resistant, but they can be more susceptible to wear and tear compared to plastic or aluminum boards.
Smarty Symbols opens its first Latin America office in Salvador, Bahia, to deploy Portuguese-English communication boards across Brazilian schools, parks and clinics.
Playgrounds across Arizona are getting a voice. When SLP Ebony Green teamed up with visual communication experts, two communication boards were installed at Tumbleweed and Apache parks, each featuring 72 colorful, bilingual symbols that empower non-verbal and minimally verbal children to express themselves through play. This community-driven initiative not only bridges communication gaps and fosters new friendships but also serves as a blueprint for any town looking to bring inclusive design solutions to their local parks.
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.
