Communication boards added to 2 Chandler parks to improve experience for speech impaired

PHOENIX — The city of Chandler installed communication boards at Tumbleweed and Apache parks to help children who struggle with speech, according to a Thursday press release.

The boards, created by visual communication company, Smarty Symbols, will be located near the playground structures and feature 72 unique symbols that kids can use to better communicate emotions and thoughts to their caretakers.

Every symbol is labeled in both English and Spanish, according to the release.

While created and designed by Smarty Symbols, the actual boards were anchored into the parks by Chandler’s own The SPEAK Center for Language and Learning. In addition to speech therapy for “school-aged children,” the organization has services for feeding, occupational and music therapy.

John Sefton, Chandler community services director, said the boards will not only “help bridge communication gaps” but also make new friendships a real possibility.

“The installation of these communication tools is a meaningful step toward making our parks welcoming for everyone,” Sefton said in the release.

CEO of The SPEAK Center Ebony Green said her organization, which was founded in 2014, is honored to sponsor boards at the Chandler-based parks.

“This initiative is especially meaningful to us, as it creates a more inclusive environment for children with disabilities and their families,” Green said. “We are grateful to the city of Chandler for collaborating with us on this important project, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on the community.”

There will be a grand opening ceremony for each board at Tumbleweed Park’s Playtopia on May 18, with festivities beginning at 9 a.m. Community members will have the opportunity to meet The SPEAK Center representatives and learn more about the new installations through free lanyards that grant mobile access to each symbol.

Chandler Parks & Recreation is also a Certified Autism Center.

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