News
September 14, 2025
When in doubt, point it out. New signs at St. John’s playgrounds designed to help kids, adults communicate
The new communication boards are now at 30 playgrounds in St. John’s and there’s everything from “slide” and “swings” to more intricate ways to communicate, when language or other barriers might get in the way. The CBC’s Katherine Crummey explains.
Struggling to understand a child's needs at the playground? A new initiative in St. John's is aiming to bridge communication gaps with the installation of innovative communication boards at 30 playgrounds across the city. These boards are designed to help both children and adults express themselves, particularly when language barriers or other communication challenges arise.
As CBC's Katherine Crummey reports, the boards offer a simple yet effective way to communicate using pictures and words. Gone are the days of guessing what a child wants or needs. These boards feature a range of common playground-related terms, from straightforward words like "slide" and "swings" to more complex phrases that can assist in expressing feelings or needs.
The initiative recognizes that communication isn't always easy, especially for young children, individuals with developmental disabilities, or those who are non-verbal. The boards provide a visual aid, allowing individuals to point to images or words to convey their thoughts and desires. This can be particularly helpful in situations where verbal communication is limited or challenging.
Imagine a scenario where a child wants to play on the swings but doesn't know the word or is having difficulty articulating it. With the communication board, they can simply point to the picture of the swings, instantly making their desire known. Similarly, if a child is feeling overwhelmed or needs help, they can use the board to communicate their feelings to a caregiver or another child.
The communication boards are expected to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment at St. John's playgrounds. By providing a readily accessible means of communication, the initiative hopes to empower children and adults alike, enabling them to connect with each other more effectively and enjoy their time at the playground to the fullest. The project is a welcome addition to the city's playgrounds, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that everyone has a voice, regardless of their communication abilities. It's a step towards creating more accessible and welcoming spaces for all members of the community.
As CBC's Katherine Crummey reports, the boards offer a simple yet effective way to communicate using pictures and words. Gone are the days of guessing what a child wants or needs. These boards feature a range of common playground-related terms, from straightforward words like "slide" and "swings" to more complex phrases that can assist in expressing feelings or needs.
The initiative recognizes that communication isn't always easy, especially for young children, individuals with developmental disabilities, or those who are non-verbal. The boards provide a visual aid, allowing individuals to point to images or words to convey their thoughts and desires. This can be particularly helpful in situations where verbal communication is limited or challenging.
Imagine a scenario where a child wants to play on the swings but doesn't know the word or is having difficulty articulating it. With the communication board, they can simply point to the picture of the swings, instantly making their desire known. Similarly, if a child is feeling overwhelmed or needs help, they can use the board to communicate their feelings to a caregiver or another child.
The communication boards are expected to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment at St. John's playgrounds. By providing a readily accessible means of communication, the initiative hopes to empower children and adults alike, enabling them to connect with each other more effectively and enjoy their time at the playground to the fullest. The project is a welcome addition to the city's playgrounds, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that everyone has a voice, regardless of their communication abilities. It's a step towards creating more accessible and welcoming spaces for all members of the community.
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