Communication boards give children a voice at playgrounds

By Carolyn Mondlock

Water, food, air, and shelter are essential for survival. But to thrive instead of just surviving, a person needs more, such as sleep, clothing, and education. Perhaps beyond anything, the most significant need is to feel love and acceptance; this feeling is based on human touch and communication. But what if an individual has trouble communicating? 

There are many children who cannot communicate as easily as others because of learning disabilities, or vision or hearing loss. So, both verbal and nonverbal communication factors influence a person’s acceptance and socialization with others. These influences may not be realized by a child until adulthood, but parents and concerned community members do. Adults who have had a stroke experience the same. Speech can be difficult for them, too.