Contact Smarty Symbols
Let us make your space more inclusive
We are here to support you – just reach out and someone from our team can provide additional resources to get your project started.
Unlocking Funding Opportunities.
From grants to grassroots efforts, we help you secure the funding needed for essential communication boards in your community. Bridge the gap between vision and installation.
Explore Funding Strategies
Making Spaces More Inclusive
Invest in Durability, Not Disposability.
Smarty Symbols can help you from funding to installation.
Funding Strategies & Support
Our expert team provides guidance, advice, and actionable strategies to help you secure the necessary funding for your project.
Explore More →Custom Designs & Manufacturing
Once funding is secured, we design and manufacture a high-quality communication board tailored to your specific environment.
See Our Projects →Shipping & Installation Guidance
We provide detailed installation specifications and mounting options that ensure a perfect, accessible fit for your space.
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Our Why
Breaking Communication Barriers for 10 Years.
At Smarty Symbols, we believe in the transformative power of communication. Our mission is to bridge communication barriers and foster meaningful connections for all. Our products are built with one goal: making inclusive communication and learning a reality in environments across the globe.
Visual Support Software
Smarty Symbols Studio offers an easy-to-use solution to create visual support anywhere. Designed for teachers, therapists, and families to save time while creating engaging resources.
Custom Communication Boards
Public spaces demand durable and quality materials. Unlike generic aids, we design, customize, and manufacture boards specifically for various high-traffic spaces.
The Power of Partnerships
How Communities Fund Inclusion.
Corporate Foundations
Foundation & Philanthropic Giving
Large-scale donations from organizations like the Chaka Khan Foundation can transform parks. Phillips Park Recreation secured $10,000 to implement high-quality, clinical-grade communication tools.
Municipal Budgets
City Council & Park District Funding
Many cities utilize municipal improvement budgets or community development blocks to fund accessibility. Local government initiatives ensure communication is a right in every public space.
PTA/PTO Initiatives
School Community Fundraising
Parent-Teacher Associations are powerful advocates for on-campus boards. Through dedicated fundraisers, PTAs can provide the visual aids necessary for peer-to-peer social interaction.
Special Education Grants
Departmental & Federal Grants
Utilizing IDEA Part B or Title I funds, special education departments invest in durable, expert-designed boards that support student language learning across the school day.
How to Get Your Board Funded
Together, We Can Create Spaces Where Everyone is Heard
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Special Education Departments
Access designated budgets aimed at improving learning tools and resources for students with disabilities.
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Parent-Teacher Associations
Leverage PTA/PTO fundraising to support specific educational goals and playground enhancements.
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Crowdfunding
Utilize community-driven digital platforms to raise money directly from families and neighbors.
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Local Businesses
Partner with community businesses interested in corporate social responsibility and local impact.
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City Parks & Recreation
Work with municipal departments to include communication boards in capital improvement projects.
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Grants
Explore government, educational, and philanthropic grants specifically for accessibility and inclusion.
WE ACCEPT
PURCHASE ORDERS
PURCHASE ORDERS
Special Education Department Funding.
Enhancing communication within educational settings is crucial for the success and inclusion of all students. Many schools have designated funds specifically aimed at improving resources for effective learning.
- IDEA Part B Funds Federal funds specifically designed to assist in the education of children with disabilities.
- Title I Funds Aimed at improving achievement for the disadvantaged, supporting students with special needs in low-income schools.
- Local School Budgets Regular allocations for special education resources can be supplemented for necessary communication tools.
Need a W-9 or custom quote? Reach out to our team today.
PTA Funding Request Guide.
When approaching the PTA for funding, an accurate cost breakdown is essential. Smarty Symbols offers customization options to tailor boards to your school's specific educational needs.
- Understand Funding Capabilities Research your PTA’s budget and past supported initiatives to frame your request effectively.
- Prepare a Clear Proposal Draft a proposal detailing student benefits, alignment with school goals, and a cost print-out from our shop page.
- Engage Members Early Discuss ideas informally with key PTA members before submitting to gain early support.
- Arrange a Strategic Call Our team is happy to connect with your PTA via Zoom or email to assist with the footwork.
- Propose Phased Implementation Start with a pilot in high-visibility areas like the playground before expanding to libraries or clinics.
- Persistent Follow-Up Send regular emails to check on status; projects often stall simply due to a lack of follow-up.
Effective Communication Tips
- Be Clear & Concise: Avoid overly technical language.
- Be Passionate: Show your enthusiasm for the student impact.
- Be Prepared: Ready your answers for cost and outcome questions.
Champion Inclusivity via Crowdfunding.
Reach a wide audience and engage donors with your mission. Crowdfunding allows you to tell a compelling story, utilize visuals, and show clear financial transparency to make inclusive play a reality.
- Choose the right platform (GoFundMe, Kickstarter, etc.)
- Create a compelling page with storytelling and visuals
- Use our Quote Builder to display transparent costs for donors
- Promote your campaign through local networks and updates
- Plan for professional installation and community ownership
Engaging Local Business Sponsors.
Partnering with local enterprises offers a dual benefit: businesses gain branded visibility on high-quality communication boards, while the community gains a vital inclusion tool.
- Target businesses invested in community welfare.
- Highlight the impact on children with communication needs.
- Offer branded visibility directly on the board design.
INCLUDES CUSTOM
SPONSOR BRANDING
SPONSOR BRANDING
City Parks & Recreation Departments.
Collaborating with your local Parks and Recreation department allows for the seamless integration of communication boards into municipal improvement plans and capital projects.
Capital Improvement Projects
Many cities have yearly budgets for park upgrades. Advocate for inclusion boards as a necessary safety and accessibility requirement.
ADA Transition Plans
Municipalities are required to improve accessibility under the ADA. Communication boards provide a visible and high-impact solution for these mandates.
Community Development Block Grants
CDBG funds are often available for local government projects that improve living environments and accessibility in public spaces.
Government and Educational Grants.
Educational Grants
Grants from local foundations, businesses, or educational nonprofits provide supplemental funding specifically for educational tools and visual resources.
Title I Funding
Designed to improve academic achievement for the disadvantaged, Title I funds can support essential communication tools in low-income schools.
Philanthropic Contributions
Foundations dedicated to disability rights and community health often offer grants to enhance public accessibility and social inclusion.
Contact Smarty Symbols
We are here to support you – just reach out and someone from our team can provide additional resources to get your project started. Let us help make your space more inclusive.
Contact NowCustom Learning Resources Software.
Smarty Symbols Studio is a stress-free resource creation platform that saves time and frustration. Create custom visual support materials with easy drag-and-drop tools and contemporary images that kids love.
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