The playground reopened today after being closed for upgrading works.
Belgrave Square playground in Rathmines has reopened with the addition of a communications board for children and adults who are either pre-verbal or non-verbal, and/or have communication difficulties.
https://twitter.com/DubCityCouncil/status/1559118872954929153?s=20&t=CbWRPpRtOgCPOeFdAGmKCA
A Communication board usually includes picture representations of day to day core words, as well as images that are specifically tailored for the environment and the location for which it is proposed (in this case, the playground), with an aim to help bridge the communication gap for those visiting.
Image via Twitter/Dublin City Council
In June 2021, an initiative to
install communication boards in 26 playgrounds throughout County Meath was undertaken by Meath County Council and Facebook’s Clonee Data Centre. At the time, Community Development Manager at Facebook Aoife Flynn said the boards
"represent and offer a unique opportunity for the community to communicate and connect with each other in a new way".
Similar boards have also been installed in playgrounds in Monaghan, Kerry and other parts of Dublin City.
https://twitter.com/DannyByrneFG/status/1397549534805385220?s=20&t=ZMnDJPG0iVMkH9U-VGXRwg
In a comment under the post by DCC, community page
Maynooth Access Group welcomed the addition of the communications board and enquired about other facilities such as a wheelchair swings, wheelchair roundabouts and sensory play areas.
Lovin have reached out to DCC for comment regarding additional facilities at the playground.
Header image via Twitter/DCC
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