Chandler Parks and Recreation has unveiled a thoughtful addition to its inclusivity efforts by installing vibrant communication boards at Tumbleweed Park and Apache Park. Designed to aid children and visitors with speech or language impairments, each board features 72 colorful symbols labeled in both English and Spanish, covering emotions, actions, play equipment, and more, making it easier for users to express themselves and connect with others.
To celebrate the rollout, the City of Chandler will host a public unveiling on the morning of May 18 at Playtopia in Tumbleweed Park. Attendees can meet representatives from The SPEAK Center for Language and Learning, grab take-home lanyards featuring the symbol sets, and enjoy light refreshments. The event marks a heartfelt community milestone in accessible play.
“Chandler’s parks are cherished spaces by children of all ages and abilities,” said Community Services Director John Sefton. He emphasized the boards’ role as not just tools, but bridges, facilitating connections and friendships once hindered by communication barriers.
The boards were developed by Smarty Symbols in collaboration with The SPEAK Center, a leader in therapeutic support for children with communication challenges. CEO Ebony Green praised the project’s impact, stating, “These communication boards are a vital resource for children who are non-verbal or minimally verbal, allowing them to express themselves and engage with their surroundings in a way that wasn’t possible before.”
This initiative aligns with Chandler Parks & Recreation’s status as a Certified Autism Center. More details and resources are available on their website, underscoring the city’s commitment to making play universally accessible.
