Communication boards foster greater community engagement

Across the South West, several new communication boards are popping up through a joint venture between the City of Busselton, Jigsaw Signs + Print, Two Way Street and Therapy Focus.

Communication boards play a vital role in enhancing community involvement and interaction by creating greater avenues for inclusive communication for both children and adults facing communication difficulties.

Communication boards offer a variety of relevant key words, paired with familiar symbols that support the communication of a need, want or emotion that is relevant to the environment that they are in.

They serve as invaluable tools for individuals with limited verbal abilities, enabling them to interact and connect with others more effectively.

By providing these visual symbols for various concepts, communication boards help reinforce language learning and understanding, as well as social interaction and encourage independence.

Therapy Focus CEO Alison Kelly, said that through local partnerships like this, amazing outcomes can be achieved that further support community participation of all individuals.  

“Therapy Focus are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute positively to the Busselton and South West communities. Communication boards like these play a crucial role in creating welcoming and inclusive environments and we hope this enhances the enjoyment of many who access these wonderful parks and playgrounds.”

Communication board installed at Busselton Foreshore.

City of Busselton Mayor, Phill Cronin said, “The City is delighted to have been able to fund the installation of communication boards throughout the local community. These boards will help to ensure our parks and open spaces are recognised as shared places for everyone to enjoy, and to enable a deeper level of understanding, communication and connection amongst all the people in our community.”

Therapy Focus South West Team Leader, Stacey McAllister shared that communication boards are tools designed to support individuals with disabilities in expressing their needs, wants, thoughts, and feelings when verbal communication is difficult.

“These boards can help bridge communication gaps, enhance social interactions, and promote independence for individuals with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, or aphasia, as well as those who may have had a stroke or other injuries affecting speech.”

The first installation of the boards at well-known spots at the Busselton Foreshore, Kraken Park and Signal Park, signals the beginning of the rollout.

There will be a total of seven communication boards installed across the South West, covering key sites of Djiljit Mia (Dunsborough), Rotary Park (Busselton), Vasse Nature Park, Koolangka (Port Geographe), and Lou Weston Oval.

These communication boards are another step forward in building inclusive communities while promoting a deeper understanding of alternative communication methods.

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Board locations