Children with additional needs or who are pre-verbal are reaping the benefits of new communication boards, which have recently been installed into the play areas of the district’s parks.
The large, illustrated accessibility panels were created following consultation with parents and teachers at Evergreen School and have been part sponsored by Everest Clinic who work with children and adults needing autism and ADHD assessments and support.
Ella Billiald, a teacher at Evergreen School said:
"I had seen a communication board in a play area in Wales and was keen to introduce them to our local parks. Following this I worked closely with Widgit and the Green Spaces team at Warwick District Council to design both bespoke boards and generic boards providing pictorial symbols for those who struggle with language, so that anyone can communicate their needs, wants and interests.”
Nick Evans, Executive Headteacher at Evergreen School added:
"It is absolutely wonderful to see the communication boards being installed in the parks and play areas across Warwick District. This initiative shows the Council’s commitment to inclusivity and will make a huge difference to the culture and access of green spaces and play areas across the district. Evergreen School is proud to be part of such an inclusive and forward-thinking community who thinks carefully about how to support people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities."
A huge thanks to the team at Widgit, Everest Clinic and the Council’s Green Spaces team for their support in making this happen.”
Currently the boards can be found in the district’s larger public spaces including Jephson Gardens, Mill Gardens, Newbold Comyn and Victoria Park in Leamington Spa and St Nicholas Park and Priory Park in Warwick. Each is bespoke to its location showing key features of the park such as the wildlife, play equipment, buildings or monuments along with generic pictures depicting emotions, questions or feelings. Following positive feedback on the new accessibility project Warwick District Council’s Green Spaces Team is planning to extend it to 49 other public parks within the district.
The new panels are part of a £100k investment by the district council with a further contribution of £40k from Leamington Town Council, to improve the accessibility of the public play areas. This will see the addition of new equipment such as new ergonomic swing seats at Abbey Fields, Bates Memorial, Priory Pools, the Holt, St Nicholas Park and Newbold Comyn which have been specifically designed to cater to children with disabilities.
Councillor Will Roberts, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood added:
“It’s important that our public spaces are inclusive and can be enjoyed by everyone. It’s therefore been great to work in partnership with local families and the staff and students at local schools to break down some of the barriers they face.”