Smarty Symbols Logo
Professional Core Communication Board in Navy Blue

Universal Linguistic Support

Core Vocabulary Communication Boards

Empowering every environment—from clinic waiting rooms to school hallways—with foundational tools for functional communication. Our Core boards utilize 108 high-frequency symbols to support 80% of daily communication needs.

The Linguistic Foundation

Our boards utilize the proven "Core Vocabulary" approach, providing the high-frequency words that account for the majority of human communication.

80% of Daily Speech

Features 108 curated symbols that allow users to form thousands of unique sentences and requests.

Color-Coded Logic

Uses standardized color-coding—like yellow for pronouns and green for verbs—to increase scanning speed.

Detailed layout of the Core Communication Board
Social-Emotional Core

Includes dedicated emotional icons for "Happy," "Frustrated," and "Tired" to support self-regulation.

Literacy Integration

A full QWERTY keyboard and number line support transition from symbols to traditional spelling.

Dimensions & Details

The Right Fit for Every Creative Space

Our boards are engineered on 3mm aluminum composite, providing maximum durability with a surprisingly lightweight profile for safe installation.

M

Medium

29” x 19”

2.3 lbs

L

Large

39” x 25”

4.06 lbs

XL

X-Large

48” x 31”

6.2 lbs

Scanning QR code on board to access Expressive Go app

Beyond the Board

Integrated Digital Communication Access

Every Smarty Symbols board features a built-in QR code, providing instant digital mobility for students, patients, and staff. This seamless transition from physical signage to digital speech generation ensures that communication is always within reach.

Free App Access Scan to instantly open the Expressive Go speech-generating web app on any smartphone or tablet.
Linguistic Consistency The digital app uses the same high-frequency Smarty Symbols found on your facility board for faster learning.
Staff & Family Support Empowers caregivers to continue communication practice at home or throughout the facility.
Learn More About Expressive Go

Proven Participation

Empowering Every Patient Interaction

Core Communication Board in a therapy setting supporting student-therapist interaction
Standardized Placement

Designed for eye-level mounting to ensure students and patients of all heights can easily reach every core symbol.

Modeling Success

Perfect for aided language stimulation, allowing adults to model symbols while speaking to aid development.

Professional Finish

The anti-glare, UV-stable surface remains perfectly legible even under bright, direct clinical lighting.

Smarty Symbols Communication Boards
Procurement Options

Purchase boards directly using a school card, or submit an official district Purchase Order.

Order Online (Credit Card) Submit a Purchase Order Download Smarty Symbols W-9

Simple Procurement

How to Order for Your District

1
Choose Your Purchase Method Place your order directly through our secure online shop for immediate processing, or upload your official district Purchase Order (PO) to our billing department.
2
Design & Consultation Our team of speech-language pathologists and designers will collaborate with you to identify the best board sizes and locations for your campus.
3
Branding & Customization We will gather your school logo and official name for the headers. If you don't have them ready now, our team will reach out to collect all details.
4
Approval & Production You will receive a digital design proof for approval. Once confirmed, we manufacture and ship your installation-ready boards.

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Core Vocabulary Communication Board

Nurse Board Art Board Library Board Core Board Playground Board

School-Wide Communication Access Plan

The School-Wide Communication Access Plan ensures children have functional communication support in every corner of the building. These setting-based tools promote language learning and social opportunities for all students.

  • Vocabulary tailored to specific school environments
  • Comprehensive support for playgrounds, libraries, and art rooms
  • Digital replicas for unified staff and educator interaction
  • Full 20% bundle discount for campus implementation
Learn More About the Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to your most common questions about our communication boards and services, helping you create a more inclusive and supportive environment from the start.

What is the difference between the core board and the playground board?

While both the Core Vocabulary Communication Board and the Playground Communication Board are designed to enhance communication and inclusivity, they cater to different environments and serve distinct purposes.

  • Core Vocabulary Communication Board:
    This board emphasizes 112 essential core vocabulary words that are frequently used in everyday communication. It’s ideal for indoor settings such as classrooms, hallways, and speech therapy rooms, where language learning and development are key. The board is designed to support students in expanding their language skills, making it an invaluable tool for special education professionals, speech therapists, and teachers working to promote effective communication across educational environments. The focus is on core vocabulary, which helps students build a solid foundation for communication that they can apply in various contexts.

  • Playground Communication Board:
    The Playground Communication Board, in contrast, is specifically tailored for outdoor play areas like playgrounds. It includes vocabulary and visuals related to outdoor activities, making it easier for children to socially interact and communicate their needs during recess or while engaging in play. This board fosters inclusive social interactions by providing visual cues for common playground activities, helping all students, including those with communication challenges, express themselves in a fun, engaging way.

Key Differences:

  • Core Vocabulary Board: Focuses on core words essential for daily communication, supporting language development in educational environments like classrooms and therapy rooms.
  • Playground Board: Tailored for outdoor settings, emphasizing vocabulary related to social play and interaction to enhance communication during recess and other outdoor activities.

In summary, the Core Vocabulary Communication Board is an excellent resource for language development and educational engagement, while the Playground Communication Board is designed to encourage social interactionand inclusive play in outdoor settings.

Can the communication board be customized for my school?

Yes! The board can be personalized with your school’s name and logo to create a professional and welcoming environment for students. We can also match the color of the board to your district or organization’s logo color for a cohesive look. Once the order is placed, our team will reach out to request a high-resolution version of your logo. You can also customize the vocabulary or symbols used on the board to better fit the specific needs of your students.

What is the ordering process for the communication board?

You can order the board directly from our website or contact our sales team for a custom quote. After you provide your school’s details, we’ll send you a design proof for approval before production begins. Once the design is finalized, the board will be produced and shipped to you.

Is there any maintenance required?

The board is designed to be low-maintenance. Simply clean it with a soft, damp cloth as needed to maintain its appearance. Since the core board is primarily used indoors, it will not require any special care to ensure its longevity.

How does the color-coding system work?

The communication board uses the Fitzgerald Key color-coding system, a widely recognized method in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This system categorizes symbols by color to represent different parts of speech, making it easier for students to find and use the correct words. For example, verbs might be in green, nouns in orange, and descriptors in purple. This intuitive system simplifies communication, especially for students with special education needs, by helping them quickly locate the symbols they need to express their thoughts and feelings.

Do you offer bilingual communication boards in other languages?

Yes, we offer bilingual boards! We currently have boards available in English/Spanish and English/Portuguese. However, our team is able to design bilingual boards in any language combination at no additional cost. Simply let us know your preferred languages when placing your order, and we will customize the board to meet your needs.

How durable is the board?

The board is made from high-quality aluminum with a polyethylene core, printed with fade-resistant UV ink and coated with an extra UV protection layer. It is designed to last 5+ years outdoors, but since it’s placed indoors, it will likely last for many years with minimal maintenance.

Preschool Board

Preschool School Playground Communication Board

$1,200.00 – $5,103.00
A simplified design tailored for preschool-aged children.
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High Contrast Board

Preschool Playground Board – High Contrast Edition

$1,200.00 – $5,103.00
High contrast visuals designed for students with visual impairments.
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School Playground Board

School Playground Communication Board

$1,200.00 – $5,103.00
Our flagship board for K-12 playground environments.
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Art Board

Art Classroom Communication Board

$1,200.00 – $1,780.00
Creative vocabulary for art teachers and students.
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Library Board

Inclusive School Library Communication Board

$1,200.00 – $2,830.00
Support for literacy and book exploration.
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Nurse Board

School Nurse’s Office Communication Board

$1,200.00 – $2,830.00
Helping students communicate medical needs effectively.
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Core Board

Core Vocabulary Communication Board

$1,200.00 – $2,730.00
High-frequency words for daily classroom interactions.
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Preschool A-Frame

Preschool Playground A-Frame Board

$1,200.00 – $3,453.00
Portable support specifically for early childhood areas.
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Social A-Frame

Social Communication Portable A-Frame Sign

$1,200.00 – $1,350.00
Easily move communication support wherever students gather.
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