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.
Communication boards offer a low-tech, highly accessible solution. These static boards display symbols, images, or words that children can point to in order to express themselves. By installing these boards on playgrounds, we make it possible for children with speech and language differences to be active participants in play, conversation, and connection.
What Are Communication Boards?
A communication board is a grid that displays core vocabulary—the most used words in everyday conversation—through symbols, icons, or pictures. Some boards also include letters, phrases, or multilingual labels to reflect the community’s needs.
Users point to or gaze at symbols to convey thoughts, needs, and emotions. In a playground setting, these boards become vital tools for engagement, connection, and self-expression. They also allow children to request turns, initiate play, ask for help, or simply share joy.
How Communication Boards Support Inclusive Play
Adding communication boards to public spaces does more than improve accessibility—it supports inclusion, empowerment, and belonging. A child who is nonverbal or minimally verbal can fully participate in playground fun, creating connections with peers and reducing frustration.
When children can express themselves effectively, behavioral issues often decrease, while social interactions and confidence grow. Peers also benefit. They learn about diverse communication styles and develop empathy and understanding.
Inclusivity isn’t only about physical ability—it’s about valuing all forms of expression. A communication board makes this visible.
Promoting Diversity Through Communication Access
These boards aren’t only for children with diagnosed speech and language impairments. They’re also useful for individuals experiencing temporary communication challenges (e.g., recovering from surgery, injury, stroke, etc.), those with developmental delays, and those who speak a language other than English.
The simple presence of a communication board sends a powerful message: everyone is welcome, and everyone is invited to participate. This creates richer play environments that promote diversity, equity, and community engagement.
Social Development and the Power of Play
Play is the foundation of learning and development. Communication boards support not only functional communication but also social-emotional learning. Children use them to do the following:
- Participate in cooperative play
- Express preferences, needs, and emotions
- Form friendships
- Learn to negotiate, take turns, and share.
This is about more than access—it’s about ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
Implementing Communication Boards: What To Consider
1. Design
Effective communication board design isn’t only about placing pictures on a grid. It requires an understanding of language development, motor planning, and visual accessibility. Boards should do the following:
- Use clear, recognizable symbols
- Avoid visual clutter
- Include core vocabulary
- Have appropriately-sized icons for users with fine motor challenges.
Working with a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) ensures the board is functional and evidence-based.
2. Installation
Installation is just as important as design. To ensure accessibility, include the following:
- The top of the board should be no higher than 36 inches from the ground to allow access for children in wheelchairs.
- Placement should be visible, central, and close to high-traffic areas.
- Boards should be securely mounted and oriented to allow easy viewing and pointing from multiple angles.
Proper installation makes the difference between a board that’s present and one that’s used.
3. Training And Use
Though playgrounds are informal settings, usage still benefits from community education. Consider adding a QR code to the board linking to short videos or guides explaining how to use it.
If a playground has staff or volunteers, they should receive basic training on encouraging all children to use the board during play. Parents and caregivers can also model use, which naturally promotes acceptance and exploration among peers.
4. Durability And Maintenance
Outdoor communication boards must withstand the elements. Boards made from weather-resistant materials, such as aluminum composite, last longer and require less maintenance. Boards on porous or flexible materials may fade, warp, or crack, making them harder to use.
Regular inspections and cleaning should be part of playground-maintenance routines to keep communication boards visible and functional.
Real-World Success Stories
Many communities have already taken the lead in incorporating communication boards into playgrounds and public spaces.
- Lowell, Mass., has added communication boards to every playground, pool, and school in the city. These boards include four languages—English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Kurham—reflecting the community’s rich diversity. The city’s goal is clear: celebrate every voice and foster authentic, meaningful social interactions.
- Rocky River, Ohio, and Voorhees Township, N. J., have also installed communication boards in public parks. The presence of these tools supports connection, empathy, and universal participation in play.
- School districts across the country are investing in customized communication boards for their playgrounds. Teachers and staff are recognizing the positive impact these tools have on classroom inclusion, behavioral regulation, and social growth.
Each of these examples shows that small changes lead to big community shifts—toward acceptance, connection, and inclusive engagement.
Advocacy, Policy, And Funding
Widespread adoption of communication boards depends on policy support, advocacy, and funding. Local governments, school boards, and community organizations can do the following:
- Include communication boards in new playground-design standards
- Apply for state and federal grants
- Seek corporate sponsors or community donors
- Partner with nonprofits focused on inclusion, disability rights, or AAC awareness.
Clear, effective communication should be treated as a core component of accessibility—not a bonus.
Organizations and disability advocates play a key role by raising awareness and pushing for changes in building codes and ADA-compliance checklists to include communication access.
Community-Led Change Starts Here
Ready to get started? Here’s how to bring communication boards to a community:
- Identify a playground where accessibility can be improved.
- Initiate conversations with parks and recreation departments, PTAs, or local councils.
- Find funding through grants, sponsors, or in-kind donations.
- Partner with experts, such as Resources at Lakeshore Speech, LLC. As licensed speech-language pathologists, we bring professional knowledge and a passion for creating tools that truly work for those who need them most.
- Celebrate the success—watch the communication and interaction bloom as a playground becomes more inclusive for all.
Final Thoughts
Communication boards are a simple but powerful addition to public playgrounds. They make a tangible difference in the lives of children with speech and language challenges, and they foster inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome.
Integrating communication boards into playgrounds is essential to achieving true ADA compliance. Physical access is only one part of the equation—communication access completes the picture.
Let’s work together to create playgrounds that aren’t only compliant but are truly inclusive, welcoming, and empowering for all children, giving everyone a voice.
