Community communication boards installed to enhance inclusivity
- A Community Communication Board has been installed at Beau Sejour’s play park.
- It aims to assist individuals with speech, language, and communication difficulties.
- The initiative is backed by funding from Wigwam and led by Speech and Language Therapy Services.
- Additional boards will be introduced across various community spaces in Guernsey.
A Community Communication Board has been installed at Beau Sejour’s play park in an effort to help communication for those facing speech, language, and communication challenges.
This is the first such board established at a States facility, made possible through funding provided by Wigwam. Plans are in place for further installations across community locations in Guernsey, particularly in Early Years settings.
Designed by a team of professionals from various committees, and spearheaded by Speech and Language Therapy Services, these boards feature a collection of words alongside corresponding symbols.
Users, including both children and adults, can point to these symbols to convey specific activities or vocabulary, thereby expressing their needs, wants, and emotions.
Existing Community Communication Boards have been introduced at several venues, including Oaty and Joey’s and Wigwam’s adapted play area. Upcoming installations are planned for Beau Sejour swimming pool, sponsored by Only Fools and Donkeys, Guille-Allès (adult and children’s library), also sponsored by Only Fools and Donkeys, and various Early Years settings supported by the States Early Years Team.
Fiona Black, Clinical Lead for Children’s Speech, Language and Communication Needs Service, said:“These boards have been a labour of love and a positive example of cross-sector partnership working.
"The aim is to raise awareness of speech, language and communication difficulties and how something so simple can be really effective in giving people a voice. They are not just for use by children but will support a range of adults who also have long-term communication difficulties.”
She further noted: “Some environments can be challenging for people to communicate their wants, needs or even safety concerns. The boards have been designed to be simple to use, to allow individuals to have fun, interact with their peers, explore their environment and be more independent.”
Amelia Laurendet, a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, expressed hope that these boards would raise awareness of the speech, language, and communication needs within the community: “It is important to realise that just because someone can’t speak, it doesn’t mean they have nothing to say.”
Alida Roos, Speech and Language Therapy Assistant from Adult Disability Services, remarked: “This is a collaborative project where we are all motivated to increase communication opportunities for people with communication needs, giving them the chance to share meaningful interactions with their peers, family and people supporting them.”
For additional information and to access downloadable copies of the boards, including one tailored for swimming sites, visit: gov.gg/Communication-Boards.
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