The Borough Gardens Play area in Dorchester has recently seen a new addition in the form of a communication board.
Based on similar boards used in some schools, the communication boards feature pictures and symbols which are intended to allow autistic and verbally non -communicative children to express themselves to others in an easy fun way. It is hoped that by locating them in play areas the council will facilitate communication with others in the play environment so opening up more possibilities for friendship and engagement and helping to make play areas more inclusive.
The Chair of Dorchester Town Council’s Management Committee, Fiona Kent Ledger, said:
“It’s so nice to be able to locate the boards, the first is here in Borough Gardens, the second will be installed at Great Field Play area in the near future. The council will then review how they are received and introduce more in other play areas if they prove successful. This is the first time we have installed such boards and we really hope they are helpful for children and young people to use in a safe and fun environment such as our play areas. We also hope the boards will help to increase the appeal of the areas to as many children as possible. When we heard of their existence at our committee and were able to see what they were and how they could be used we could immediately see the benefit, literally giving children who find it difficult to communicate a voice when they are playing with their friends.”
Fiona Kent Ledger, Chairman of Dorchester Town Council’s Management Committee and Iain Adshead, Head Gardener, inspect the first of two Communication Boards to be located in Dorchester. Photo: Carl Dallison, Dorchester Town Council