Communication Boards: Enhancing Connection and Awareness in Communities
Communication Boards: Enhancing Connection and Awareness in Communities
As we observe this year's AAC Awareness Month in October, it's crucial to highlight the role of communication boards in public spaces. These low-tech, high-visibility tools facilitate communication for individuals with speech challenges, fostering both connection and awareness within our communities.
Communication boards are large displays typically found in various public areas like libraries, parks, and playgrounds. They feature images and symbols representing common vocabulary words, such as "play," "go," "bathroom," and others that help individuals express their needs, wants, and feelings. While primarily aimed at people with limited speech capabilities, these boards can benefit everyone, including children learning to communicate.
The Importance of Communication Boards
The central theme for this year’s AAC Awareness Month is "AAC in Everyday Life Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond." The integration of communication boards into daily life is a visible manifestation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in our communities. In the United States alone, over 2 million people rely on AAC to communicate, which can range from gestures to high-tech speech-generating devices.
The major advantage of placing large communication boards in public locales is their ability to enhance interaction. They serve as educational tools that not only help individuals using AAC but also raise awareness among the general public. It's a shared responsibility to make communication accessible, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage effectively.
Benefits for Everyone
Communication boards offer significant benefits to a broad audience. For young children, they provide a way to identify and communicate their thoughts before verbal skills fully develop. For adults experiencing temporary speech loss or individuals facing communication challenges, these boards are invaluable tools that can help convey urgent needs.
The growing prevalence of communication boards is indicative of a societal shift toward inclusivity. Ordinary public spaces are becoming more accommodating for individuals with varying communication needs, from those with disabilities such as autism and cerebral palsy to those recovering from speech-related injuries.
Increasing Visibility of AAC Tools
The rise of communication boards mirrors the increasing public awareness and understanding of AAC tools. Many communities are recognizing the importance of including visual communication resources in places where people gather. Portability is also a consideration; for instance, temporary communication boards may be used at events like concerts or sporting events, ensuring that individuals have continued access to necessary communication options.
"Public communication boards can help bridge gaps in understanding between individuals with communication difficulties and others in their communities," states Linda I. Rosa-Lugo, President of ASHA for 2026. "Effective communication is a collaborative effort, and it is vital for everyone involved to play their part in facilitating meaningful interactions."
Best Practices for Using Communication Boards
To make the most of these communication boards, individuals interacting with users should adopt helpful strategies:
- - Point as You Speak: When using words that are featured on the board, physically point to them. This practice helps create a connection between the spoken word and its representation.
- - Provide Time: Allow ample time for the individual to process the information and select an appropriate word or image.
- - Consistent Use: Regularly utilizing the boards will help anyone become more comfortable communicating with AAC.
- - Proper Positioning: Ensure both parties have a clear view of the board, adjusting your placement to enhance visibility and access.
- - Offer Options: If someone is struggling to communicate, offer pointers to words one by one and observe their responses.
Learn More
For further information about AAC and the range of communication disorders, visit www.helpingyoucommunicate.org. It’s essential to continue fostering awareness around AAC devices and the increased accessibility they can facilitate in communities everywhere.
About ASHA
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) serves professionals in the fields of audiology, speech-language pathology, and communication sciences. With over 247,000 members, ASHA focuses on both advocacy and the advancement of effective communication accessibility. For more information on their initiatives, check their official website at www.asha.org.
Topics People & Culture）
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