"I love it. It's inclusion, and that's what every autism parent wants for their kids, to feel like they're included.”
Abbey Caroll - Local mother, quoted in the Dungog Chronicle
For many children, a playground is where friendships begin. But for children who communicate differently, joining in can sometimes be harder.
The new communication board at Thomas H Halton Park in Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, is helping change that.
Developed by Scope's Communication and Inclusion Resource Centre (CIRC), in partnership with Lake Macquarie City Council, the board uses symbols, pictures, and words to help children communicate, connect with others, and participate more fully in play. It has been installed as part of the council’s inclusive play trial.
More than just a communication tool
Communication boards use carefully chosen symbols and words to support the kinds of interactions that naturally occur during play.
While they help people participate in play and communicate with confidence, their impact extends beyond individual communication, creating more inclusive and connected community spaces.
Sarah Mitchell, Speech Pathologist at Scope, said the boards benefit not only the people who use them, but also the wider community.
“Communication boards can be used instead of or alongside speech for many purposes, including asking for a turn on the swing, suggesting a game to play, or commenting on what's happening.
“They support both expression and understanding, creating opportunities for connection. Communication boards in play spaces help create more communication-accessible communities,” Sarah said.
Steph, mum, and her daughter use a communication board together at a Melbourne playground.
Communication board developed by CIRC.
Building communication-accessible communities
The Lake Macquarie installation is just one example of the work our CIRC team has been leading for decades.
For more than 30 years, CIRC has helped businesses, councils, schools, health services, and community organisations to create more communication-accessible environments through communication boards, communication access initiatives, and specialist advice.
Today, nearly 300 communication boards developed by CIRC have been installed in parks, playgrounds and community spaces across Australia through partnerships with more than 60 organisations. The Lake Macquarie installation marks the 58th communication board to be installed in New South Wales.
300
boards installed nationwide
60+
partner organisations
58
NSW installations
Katie Lyon, General Manager CIRC, said the growing uptake reflects a broader understanding of accessibility.
"As communities think more broadly about accessibility, we're seeing more recognition that inclusion isn't only about physical access. It's also about communication access.
"Communication boards show that creating more inclusive communities doesn't always require major infrastructure or large-scale change. Sometimes it's simple communication support that helps a child join a game, make a friend, and feel like they belong."
A tool with lasting impact
While communication boards are often associated with disability, they can also support young children developing language skills, people learning English, and others who benefit from visual communication.
"We're proud to have partnered with Lake Macquarie City Council on this initiative and to see our team's expertise helping to create a more inclusive experience for local children and families," said Katie.
"Every communication board installed in a community space is another step towards a future where more people can express themselves, build friendships, and participate more fully in the world around them."
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