Swampscott Elementary Unveils Playground Communication Board to Promote Inclusion, Voice for All Students

From left to right: Erin Wilson, associate director of special education; Lauren Shresha, Commission on Disability; Ivy Horgan, assistant principal of the Swampscott Elementary School; Glenn Paster, School Committee; Martha Raymond, assistant superintendent of student services; Michelle Steingiser, Commission on Disability; Lori Sanborn, principal of the Swampscott Elementary School; Kevin Shields, Commission on Disability; Jason Calichman, superintendent of Swampscott Public Schools; Katie Arrington, Swampscott elementary parent || Courtesy photo

Swampscott Elementary School unveiled a communication board on its playground Thursday.

The board is located at the front of the playground to help children communicate. The board was provided by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc., following an application from the Swampscott Commission on Disability. According to the Flutie Foundation, the communication boards support “individuals in initiating conversations with peers, navigating social situations and expressing themselves.”

“We are grateful to the Swampscott Commission on Disability, especially Lauren Shrestha
and Michelle Steingiser, who worked with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism to
donate a Communication Board to the new Swampscott Elementary School playground,” the school said in a statement to The Swampscott Tides. “The communication board offers a platform for children to communicate with one another during play. The communication board educates the community of Swampscott about the varying ways people of all abilities can connect with each other.”

Communication boards use graphics and visuals to bridge the gap between nonspeaking or minimally speaking individuals and their caregivers, teachers, and peers. The pictures on the board represent words and concepts students can use in everyday situations, such as “play,” “ball,” “push,” “swing,” “hurt,” “bathroom,” and “slide.”

The communication board at the Swampscott Elementary School || Courtesy photo

“Not only will it help all children (both neurotypical and neurodivergent) communicate in times when verbal communication is challenging, but it will also send a clear message that Swampscott is an inclusive community, and everyone here has a voice,” said Nancy-Jo Kelly, the executive assistant to the superintendent and school committee.

The board offers a concrete way to communicate and be understood when words aren’t available.By using pictures and symbols, the board allows individuals to express feelings and needs. As a result, the board fosters clearer expression of thoughts and can lead to more successful social interactions.

“The communication board at our new elementary school is an example of our commitment to inclusivity and belonging for all and a reflection of our CORE mission and values,” Kelly said.