Smarty Symbols logo for playground communication boards

Make Your School More Inclusive with Communication Boards

Enhancing Learning Environments from Playgrounds to Classrooms with Tailored Communication Solutions

Communication Board for Carl E. Schluter Elementary

Envisioning Inclusion and Communication Accessibility in Education

School Playground Communication Boards

School Playgrounds

Our school playground communication boards are where our boards shine the brightest, being the most popular choice among educators and administrators. These boards are specifically crafted to engage and connect students of all abilities during play, featuring vibrant, eye-catching designs that are as functional as they are inspiring.

School Wide Communication Board

School Wide Communication

Understanding and facilitating effective communication throughout every corner of a school environment is crucial. Our communication boards are designed to support communication and learning not just in playgrounds but in every space they interact with—including libraries, nurse’s rooms, and music classrooms.

Smarty Symbols Studio for Schools

Smarty Symbols Studio

Smarty Symbols Studio offers a powerful solution, enabling the creation of highly customized visual aids that support learning and communication across all areas of special education.

The Smarty Symbols Communication Boards Design Benefits

From design to implementation, we streamline the entire process. You don’t need to juggle multiple vendors or platforms; we offer everything you need to create and deploy effective communication boards.

Smarty Symbols Communication Boards Design
Smarty Symbols Communication Boards Design
Smarty Symbols Communication Boards Design

Our mission is simple but impactful: to create environments where individuals of all abilities can effectively communicate, engage, and thrive.

Why Choose Smarty Symbols Boards

Customize virtually anything you would like

Group Smarty Symbols Communication Boards

Diverse and Inclusive Imagery

Smarty Symbols Communication Boards

Customize Vocabulary to your Space

Smarty Symbols Communication Boards

Bilingual Options for Any Language

Smarty Symbols Communication Boards

High Quality and Weather-Proof

Scan QR Code on Communication Board to Access a Speech Generating App For Students and Staff

Every communication board from Smarty Symbols comes paired with a complimentary speech-generating app, ensuring that students and staff across all communication abilities have equal access to expressive tools. This thoughtful integration normalizes and enhances communication access within educational settings, breaking down barriers and fostering an inclusive environment for everyone.

Whether used in conjunction with our physical communication boards or as a standalone digital solution, the free app empowers users to communicate confidently and effectively, aligning with our mission to make communication a universal, accessible experience for every member of the school community. This comprehensive approach not only supports those who are non-speaking or have limited verbal abilities but also educates and equips the entire school population with the tools to engage inclusively.

Scan QR Code on Communication Board to Access a Speech Generating App For Students and Staff
Barbara Fernandes - Smarty Symbols CEO

"Our goal is not just to adapt but to pioneer. Accessibility in communication should be as integral as ramps are today."

Barbara Fernandes

CEO, Smarty Symbols

School Playground Solutions

Preschool School Playground Communication Board

The Preschool Playground Communication Board is a board designed to empower and engage elementary school students from Preschool through Kindergarten. This comprehensive board features a total of 58 words, complete with letters and numbers, tailored to facilitate communication during recess and outdoor activities.

Specifically crafted with students and teachers in mind, the instructions on this board provide clear guidance on how to utilize the communication tool effectively. The versatile design of the School Playground Communication Board ensures inclusivity and accessibility, catering to the diverse needs of students in elementary school settings.

Preschool School Playground Communication Board
Elementary School Playground Communication Board

Elementary School Playground Communication Board

Our School Playground Communication Board is designed to empower and engage elementary school students from 1st through 5th grade. This board features a total of 78 words, complete with letters and numbers, tailored to facilitate communication during recess and outdoor activities.

Available in both English and bilingual (English and Spanish) options, this innovative board promotes language learning and helps students develop essential communication skills, regardless of their language background. Whether it’s for social interaction, communication or educational purposes, the School Playground Communication Board is an indispensable resource for creating an inclusive and dynamic playground environment.

Social Communication Portable A-Frame Sign

A tool designed to foster meaningful conversations and connections among elementary school students during recess. Ideal for children who may struggle with initiating social interactions, such as those who are shy, autistic, or simply having a tough day, our A-Frame sign is here to create a more inclusive and supportive playground environment.

 

Our Social Communication Portable A-Frame Sign features a carefully curated selection of conversation starters and engaging topics that help students find shared interests and build relationships. By providing a structured and guided approach to communication, this innovative sign can be a game-changer for students who often find themselves sitting alone on the bench during recess.

Comprehensive Catalog of Communication Boards
School Communication Board Catalog

Download Our Detailed Catalog of Communication Boards for Districts

Explore our comprehensive catalog of communication boards tailored for school districts, featuring a wide array of options to enhance inclusivity and facilitate effective communication across educational settings. Discover how our solutions can be customized to meet the unique needs of your district.

Featured Districts and Schools

This section is dedicated to highlighting the innovative communication boards we have implemented in various educational settings and the dedicated individuals who have made these projects a success. Each feature in our showcase not only displays the unique designs of our communication boards but also reflects the commitment and vision of the educators, administrators, and community leaders who work tirelessly to foster inclusive and engaging learning environments. Through these collaborations, we aim to illustrate the profound impact our products have on enhancing communication, promoting inclusivity, and supporting the educational journey of every student.

Fairview School District
Fairview Elementary School has taken a significant stride towards inclusive communication with the installation of a new Smarty Symbols communication board at their playground. Located at a height accessible to young children, they feature bright, engaging colors that attract the students’ attention. The layout of the board is intuitive, with sections clearly labeled to facilitate quick communication. This design allows children to express a variety of statements and questions, from basic needs like “I need help” or “I’m thirsty” to more interactive phrases such as “Let’s play” or “Your turn!”
Pewaukee School District
After months of meticulous planning, fundraising, and collaboration with Smarty Symbols, Pewaukee School District celebrated a significant enhancement to their educational environment with the arrival of three custom communication boards at Pewaukee Lake Elementary School. This initiative was part of a broader project spearheaded by Derek, who was driven to make a lasting impact on his community.
Boston Public Schools
Boston Public Schools proudly hosts seven of our innovative Smarty Symbols communication boards, marking a significant commitment to fostering inclusive communication across the district. Each board is strategically placed in schools including Blackstone Elementary, Dr. William Monroe Trotter School, Paul A. Dever School, Gardner Pilot Academy, Henderson Upper Inclusion School, Manassah Bradley Elementary School, and Donald McKay K-8 School. These boards are not just tools but are integral to promoting an environment where every student, regardless of their communication abilities, can engage fully and express themselves freely. By integrating Smarty Symbols communication boards, Boston Public Schools demonstrates its dedication to enhancing educational accessibility and ensuring that every child’s voice is heard and valued in their community.

Communication Beyond the Playgrounds

Words for Every Wall: Communication Access for All

School Library Communication Board

Offering non-verbal students the means to actively engage in school library activities is pivotal to their academic and social development. This board is meticulously tailored to equip students with the requisite vocabulary for effective communication within a school library context, thus enriching literacy, social interaction, and fostering an avid interest in reading.

The School Library Communication Board encapsulates meticulously chosen vocabulary words, spanning across book genres, school library staff roles, and typical school library items. Through this, students can effortlessly express their requirements, pose questions, and meaningfully engage with the library staff and their peers. To enhance its relevance, the board can be personalized with the school’s name and emblem.

School Library Communication Board

School Art Classroom Communication Board

The Art Communication Board empowers non-verbal students to fully participate in art classroom activities, nurturing their creative expression and interaction with peers and teachers. This board is thoughtfully designed with essential vocabulary that covers various art tools, actions, and colors, enabling students to convey their artistic needs and preferences. By pointing to symbols, students can communicate their intentions, such as choosing colors, requesting specific art materials, or expressing how they feel about their artwork.

With the Art Communication Board, students can actively engage in creative projects, enhancing their fine motor skills, imaginative play, and social interactions. The inclusion of this board in the art classroom not only promotes inclusivity but also supports the development of language and cognitive skills through the visual arts. To ensure that the board resonates with the school community, it can be customized with the school’s name and logo, making it a truly personalized educational tool.

School Nurse Station Communication Board

School Nurse Station Communication Board

The Smarty Symbols School Nurse’s Office Communication Board is a practical, user-friendly, and inclusive tool meticulously designed to facilitate clear and effective communication within the school nurse’s office. This innovative solution aims to enhance the nurse’s ability to understand and address the needs of students, particularly those with limited vocabulary, non-verbal speech, or other communication challenges.

It fosters clear and effective communication between school nurses and students, ensuring that the needs of all students are understood and addressed promptly. Whether students have limited vocabulary, non-verbal speech, or other communication challenges, this communication board promotes inclusivity and efficiency in the school nurse’s office.

Contact Smarty Symbols

Let us make your school more inclusive

Connect with our team to discuss how we can help make your school or district more inclusive for all students. Let’s create a space where every child has the power to communicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you will find detailed answers to commonly asked questions about our products, covering topics from customization options and material quality to installation processes and support services. Our aim is to provide you with all the information you need to understand how Smarty Symbols boards can transform your school playgrounds and classrooms into more engaging, accessible, and inclusive spaces for every student.

What makes Smarty Symbols communication boards unique for school playgrounds?

Smarty Symbols communication boards stand out in the educational sector for several compelling reasons, making them a preferred choice for schools and learning environments that prioritize inclusivity and effective communication. Here’s what makes Smarty Symbols boards special:

  1. Customization Flexibility: Smarty Symbols offers a high degree of customization. Schools can choose from a range of pre-designed options or opt for fully custom solutions, including specific symbols, color schemes, and the inclusion of school logos. This flexibility allows each board to meet the unique needs of different educational settings and student populations.

  2. Cultural and Linguistic Inclusivity: The boards are designed to be as inclusive as possible, with options for bilingual or multilingual configurations in any language. This makes them ideal for diverse classrooms where multiple languages are spoken, helping all students feel represented and supported.

  3. High-Quality Materials: Manufactured from durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, Smarty Symbols boards are built to last. They are designed to withstand various environmental conditions without losing their visual appeal or functionality.

  4. Focus on Diversity: The imagery used on the boards reflects a broad spectrum of humanity, supporting diversity in all its forms. This approach helps foster an environment where every student, regardless of their background, feels seen and valued.

  5. Educational and Social Benefits: These boards are not only tools for communication but also aid in language development and social skills, especially for students with speech or language impairments. They serve as a bridge, facilitating more effective interaction among all students.

  6. Comprehensive Support and Warranty: Smarty Symbols provides exceptional post-purchase support, including installation guidance, maintenance tips, and customer service. Furthermore, the boards come with a warranty that covers defects in materials and craftsmanship, ensuring schools receive support long after the initial purchase.

  7. Ease of Installation: Each board includes a detailed installation guide, making the setup process straightforward. Whether mounted on walls, posts, or fences, the boards are designed for easy integration into any school environment.

  8. Promotion of Inclusive Play: Designed specifically for environments like school playgrounds, the boards encourage inclusive play. They make playgrounds more accessible and enjoyable for children with and without disabilities, promoting an inclusive atmosphere where all students can interact and learn from each other.

What customization options are available for Smarty Symbols communication boards?

Our communication boards offer various customization levels. You can choose from predefined options available on our website, including different sizes, colors, and common customizations, or opt for a 100% custom design that meets your specific needs. Our team can incorporate specific symbols, color schemes, and even your school logo.

Are there funding options or discounts available for schools?

Yes, we offer several funding options and discounts to help schools integrate Smarty Symbols communication boards into their environments. Understanding the budget constraints often faced by educational institutions, we provide volume discounts for bulk purchases which can make a larger implementation more affordable. Additionally, schools and districts can benefit from special pricing when they choose to bundle our communication boards with Smarty Symbols Studio, our custom resource creation software. This bundle not only enhances the functionality of the communication boards but also supports a more comprehensive approach to inclusivity across the entire school or district. We also assist in identifying potential grants and funding opportunities that can further offset costs, making our solutions accessible to a wider range of educational settings.

How can we order Smarty Symbols communication boards for our school?

Ordering Smarty Symbols communication boards is designed to be seamless and ensures that every detail meets your exact needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to proceed:

  1. Online Customization: Visit our website and utilize the dropdown menu to customize your communication boards. You can select from a variety of options including sizes, colors, symbols, and languages. The website provides real-time pricing updates as you make your selections.

  2. Request Further Customization: If your requirements extend beyond what’s available in the dropdown menu, you can contact our team directly. We are happy to set up a virtual meeting via Zoom to discuss your project in detail, understand your specific needs, and provide a tailored quote.

  3. Digital Proof Approval: Before any manufacturing begins, we always send a digital proof of your customized communication board. This allows you to review and approve every aspect of the design, ensuring that it meets all your expectations and requirements.

  4. Place Your Order: Once you have approved the digital proof, you can confirm your order. This can be done either directly through our website for simpler designs or through a purchase order after a virtual consultation for more complex customizations.

  5. Production and Delivery: After approval, we proceed with manufacturing your boards using high-quality, durable materials. We keep you informed about the production timeline and when you can expect delivery.

  6. Installation and Support: Along with your delivered boards, we provide detailed installation guides to facilitate a smooth setup process. Additionally, our customer support team is available to assist with any installation questions or concerns to ensure that your boards are set up properly and effectively.

This thorough process ensures that your Smarty Symbols communication boards are precisely what you envisioned and are ready to enhance the communication dynamics within your educational setting.

Can the boards be designed to reflect cultural and linguistic diversity?

At Smarty Symbols, we are committed to promoting diversity and delivering the highest quality in all our imagery. Our communication boards are equipped with the Smarty Symbols Image Library, which features over 60,000 meticulously designed icons. These images include a wide array of representations concerning age, ethnicity, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, ensuring that every student can see themselves reflected in the visuals. We prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in education, and our images are crafted to support this by being vibrant, clear, and easily recognizable from a distance. Each image is created using advanced graphic design techniques to ensure they are engaging and durable, even in outdoor environments. This approach not only enhances visual communication but also fosters an inclusive atmosphere where every student feels valued and included.

How long does it take to receive our communication boards after submitting a purchase order?

Once you submit a purchase order for Smarty Symbols communication boards, the process is efficient and timely to ensure you receive your products as quickly as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Proof Review: Within one week of receiving your purchase order, we will send you a digital proof of the communication board for your review. This proof allows you to see exactly how the finished product will look and make any necessary adjustments or approvals.

  2. Production: After you approve the proof, the production of your communication board begins. Our team works diligently to ensure that your board is manufactured to the highest standards with quality materials.

  3. Delivery: Once production is complete, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, your board will be shipped directly to your location. We strive to ensure that the total time from the submission of your purchase order to the delivery of your board is as swift and seamless as possible.

We understand the importance of timely delivery, especially in educational settings where planning and implementation are key. Our process is designed to provide you with a quick turnaround while maintaining the quality and accuracy of your custom communication boards.

Checkout The Success Stories To Get Inspired

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