Wolverhampton City Council has installed large picture communication boards at four city play areas to support children, young people and adults with communication difficulties.
The boards have been placed at Bantock Park, East Park, Phoenix Park and West Park. Users can express their thoughts, emotions and play choices by pointing to symbols specially selected for playground environments.
How the boards work
The symbols on the boards allow people who have difficulty communicating verbally to share their feelings and preferences while using the play areas, making their experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
Community involvement
The boards were developed through collaboration between the council and HY5!, a group of young people with lived experience of special educational needs and disabilities. Members of HY5! work with the council and partners to improve services, support and opportunities for young people across the city.
As part of the 'HY5! On the Move' project, young people visit local spaces and share feedback with council SEND officers on how accessibility can be improved. Young people from Broadmeadow Special School also supported the project and identified communication boards as a significant resource for children and young people with communication needs.
Funding and support
The boards have been funded through the government's Pride in Place Impact Fund.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for children, young people and education, said: "Play areas should be a place where all children and young people can have fun and connect – and these new boards aim to help them do just that. Many people in our city rely on pictures to communicate and the boards not only raise awareness of the different methods people use but also give children and young people a way to share their feelings while enjoying time with family and friends."
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, cabinet member for resident services, added: "A huge thank you to the young people of HY5! and Broadmeadow Special School – your hard work has helped us to make sure these play areas more inclusive for everyone. The specially designed boards aim to remove barriers to communication and make sure everyone can enjoy their time in the open air."