Making sure everyone is heard at playtime
Published on 15 November 2021
To be able to communicate our needs is a basic human right, but what if something as simple as playing at a playground left you without that right?
We recognise this and have worked with our Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) to launch a series of playground communication boards for people with alternative or additional communication needs.
Designed by Carmen Roche, local Speech Pathologist and Scope Australia, the boards display symbols and Auslan alphabet signs so people can gesture, point to, or scan through the symbols to communicate.
It’s important to think of these boards as being beneficial for everyone. They can help improve language skills for toddlers right through to adults.
The communication boards are at these three playgrounds:
- Civic Reserve, Mornington.
- Rosebud Foreshore.
- Pelican Park, Hastings.
Now more than ever, playing and being outdoors is such a pick-me-up for our community.
This project gives all children and adults who visit our playgrounds a new avenue to communicate with each other.
To find out more and to download or print an image of the board to use at home or on the move around the playgrounds, visit:
mornpen.vic.gov.au/accessiblerecreation
Quote attributable to Mayor Councillor Despi O’Connor:
“We’re extremely pleased to fund this project to show our commitment to accessibility in our Shire. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest impact and these communication boards will give all people an avenue to communicate while they play. We want everyone to enjoy our playgrounds.”
Quote attributable to Disability Advisory Committee member and Seawinds Ward Councillor Kerri McCafferty:
“People with a disability face additional barriers when using community spaces and so ensuring access and inclusivity to these spaces is an important part of our work in Council. This project changes attitudes and awareness, making sure all people feel welcome and included in our community.”