Suffolk Unveils Nonverbal Communication Board For Those W/ Autism

HAUPPAUGE, NY — A nonverbal communication board was unveiled at Blydenburgh County Park during Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced on Wednesday.

The board, set up in the picnic area playground, uses pictures and icons to allow nonverbal people to easily communicate without the use of a personal augmentative and alternative communication (ACC) device.

"This a time to recognize and celebrate the county being filled with people of differing abilities, differing talents," Bellone said. "And making that commitment and reaffirming that commitment that we are working to make sure that all of those individuals are able to be their best selves, to reach their potential, and to be fully participating and contributing to our community. We know when that happens, we are a better and stronger county."

To use the communication board, people point to pictures of play equipment and symbols on display to express their thoughts and feelings. People will be able to use the board to communicate with park staff, family or friends.

The boards are designed to encourage a sense of community as well as help to create a diverse play space for everyone. The boards also feature a QR code so people can pull up the board on their phones or other digital device.

The park’s Play Communication Board is the first to be installed in a Suffolk County Park. The county has plans to install the boards at additional County Parks.