Play areas across North Lanarkshire are becoming more inclusive thanks to the installation of new non-verbal communication boards designed to help children and families connect and play together.
Developed by the council’s Community Partnership Team, the boards use simple images, symbols and text to support children and young people who are non-verbal or have limited speech.
By pointing to the symbols, users can express needs, feelings and ideas, helping to break down barriers to communication.
“We want our play areas to be welcoming and inclusive for every child and family,” said Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener of Communities.
“Our communication boards are a simple but powerful way to remove barriers and support children who use different forms of communication.”
The project was shaped by extensive consultation with pupils, parents, carers and teachers, ensuring the final designs are clear, practical and easy to use in play settings.
Specialists from the University of Edinburgh and Speech and Language Therapists from NHS Lanarkshire also contributed their expertise.
Councillor Woods added: “It’s fantastic to see the level of care and collaboration that has gone into this project, working with families and specialists to make sure the boards are practical, accessible and easy to use. They will help children build confidence, make friends and enjoy playing together.”
Each board is tailored to its location, using relevant vocabulary and a colour-coded system based on the Modified Fitzgerald Key to make it easier for users to understand and navigate.
Alongside the communication boards, British Sign Language (BSL) versions and fingerspelling boards are also being installed, encouraging children to learn simple signs and communicate in different ways while they play.