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Advocate proposes AAC communication boards, committee explores sensory features for parks
Summary
A representative from South Florida ABA urged the board to consider stationary AAC communication boards in local parks to help nonverbal children communicate; members discussed locating boards at Veterans Park or Royal Oaks Park and asked Parks & Rec to evaluate sites and pricing.
Christie, who identified herself as representing South Florida ABA and as based in Miami Lakes, told the board she has seen AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) boards installed in Broward County parks and urged the town to consider similar, stationary boards for local playgrounds. She said the boards allow nonverbal visitors to communicate by pointing or selecting icons and suggested the committee could seek pricing and donate or fundraise toward installation.
"It's kind of cool the way that... it's just like a board that's stationary. So it'd be located, like, in one side of the playground... the kids can communicate by pointing," Christie said, and said she would send photos and examples for the committee to review.
Committee members referenced existing accessible swings at Veterans Park and Royal Oaks Park and agreed Parks & Rec is conducting an inventory to recommend suitable sites and advise on installations. Chair and staff urged Christie to email examples and pricing so the committee can obtain quotes and present recommendations to the council if needed. Members framed such additions as complementary to an ongoing effort to add sensory features to parks rather than a standalone replacement for other accessibility measures.
The board asked staff to gather images and price estimates and to coordinate with Parks & Rec on feasibility and siting.
