A critical way to increase ADA compliance
Inclusive playgrounds give all children an opportunity to enjoy one of the most essential parts of childhood—play. Unfortunately, many accessible playgrounds focus only on physical accommodations like ramps and wheelchair-accessible swings. While these are vital, true accessibility must go further by also addressing communication differences. That’s where communication boards come in. These tools are a critical part of creating fully inclusive, ADA-compliant playground environments.
Why Communication Boards Matter
Roughly 1 in 14 children in the U.S. experiences a speech, language, or voice disorder. Among them, 7.2% require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to express themselves effectively. In addition, up to 30% of individuals with autism may benefit from some form of AAC.
Many of these children don’t have physical disabilities, making their accessibility needs invisible in traditional planning. While high-tech AAC devices are excellent for many users, they can be bulky and difficult to use in outdoor, active settings. Children shouldn’t have to choose between playing and communicating.
