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Norwalk installs communication boards on elementary playgrounds to aid students with speech or language challenges
Summary
The Norwalk School District began installing bilingual communication boards at 10 elementary school playgrounds to support students with speech or language needs, district leaders said, and will provide digital copies and guidance to families and staff.
The Norwalk Board of Education announced this month that the district has begun installing communication boards on elementary school playgrounds to give students with speech or language challenges a way to communicate while at play. Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella introduced the update and asked staff to explain the project to the board.
Rob (staff member) said the district started installations this week, with a board already placed at Granbury. The board is bilingual in English and Spanish and includes pictures and a QR code that links to a PDF families can use off-site, Rob said. Angela Rinaldi, identified in the meeting as one of the district’s assistive-technology teachers, helped design the boards.
"Our communication boards really give students with speech or language challenges a reliable way to express themselves," Rob said, adding that the boards support academic and social participation, reduce frustration and behavior challenges, and advance district goals around equity and universal design. He said a student used a board the same day it was installed.
District staff said the boards are being placed at 10 elementary schools that host preschool programs now; the Tracy site is delayed until a replacement playground for young learners is installed. The district intends to expand boards to other schools and classrooms over time.
Board members asked technical questions about how students will use the boards and whether the displays include emotions or activity choices. Staff replied the boards contain pictures for activities and emotions and that they will share a document describing the board components and post the PDF on the board’s website.
The district said copies of the board and a description of what each symbol stands for will be provided to board members and families, and that the QR code allows families to access the communication tool outside school playgrounds.
District officials framed the effort as one part of broader inclusive-practice work, not restricted to preschool students, and said installations reflect lessons learned while moving preschool classrooms into elementary buildings.
The board did not take a formal vote on the communication-board rollout during the meeting; staff said installations are already underway and will continue as part of regular operations.
