Making communication possible in parks
The Town of Oyster Bay has partnered with Rocco’s Voice for Autism to install autism communication boards in various parks across the town. This initiative is part of a broader effort to make public spaces more accessible to children with autism, ensuring they can fully participate in play and social interactions.
The Town of Oyster Bay has worked closely with organizers from Rocco’s Voice for over a year on this project, which aligns with the town’s commitment to creating welcoming environments for all children. The communication boards, which feature symbols and images, are designed to facilitate non-verbal communication, enabling children with autism to express themselves more easily and engage with their peers.
“Rocco’s Voice for Autism is a truly inspiring organization working to ensure every child feels welcomed and included. The Town Board and I share this mission, which is why we’re working to install play communication boards in our town parks,” Saladino wrote in a statement. “Communication boards create a universal language for all children to play together – regardless of ability – and we welcome this opportunity to foster an understanding and compassionate environment.”
The installation of these boards across multiple town facilities, including Tappen Beach in Glen Head, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay and Burns Park in Massapequa, has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the Warner Fund. In total, 15 parks in the Town of Oyster Bay now feature these communication boards, a project that was completed in early August.
Anna Di Chiara, the executive editor of Rocco’s Voice for Autism, explained the origins and impact of the project. The nonprofit was founded in 2017 by Sonny Spagnuolo, whose son, Rocco, was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Since its inception, the organization has been dedicated to offering support and guidance to children with autism and their families.
“Our initial interaction with the town began when we set up a meeting to discuss the need for inclusive parks in the Town of Oyster Bay,” Di Chiara said. “While there were parks throughout the town that children could play in, there wasn’t anything specifically designed for children with disabilities. The town was incredibly receptive and on board with us, and with the help of the Warner Fund, we were able to raise the necessary funds to create these inclusive spaces.”
The communication boards are a crucial component of these spaces. Made up of photos and symbols of recognizable images like balls or letters, the boards allow children with disabilities to communicate by pointing to the images, which helps them express their needs and interact with others on the playground. This is especially important for children with autism who are minimally speaking or non-verbal.
“Some children with autism, unfortunately, are non-speaking or non-verbal, so these boards provide a way for them to express their feelings and communicate what they want or need,” Di Chiara explained. “This ability to communicate is vital for their participation in play and social interactions.”
The response to the communication boards from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. According to Di Chiara, this feedback has inspired Rocco’s Voice for Autism to extend its efforts beyond the parks.
“We’ve received numerous emails from parents in the community asking us to consider installing these boards in other parks, schools, and facilities for children with special needs,” she said. “Our goal is to get these communication boards in all public areas so that children with disabilities have a way of communicating and expressing their needs. Each year, we’re adding new goals, and hopefully, at some point, we’ll have these boards everywhere they’re needed.”
In a statement, Councilman Steve Labriola expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the town’s dedication to inclusivity.
“This partnership exemplifies our dedication to creating an inclusive environment where every child can thrive, and we thank Rocco’s Voice for Autism for their continued dedication to this important cause,” Labriola said.
The autism communication boards are part of a broader vision to create accessible and inclusive public spaces throughout the Town of Oyster Bay. With these boards now installed in key parks across the town, the partnership between the town government and Rocco’s Voice for Autism can make a lasting impact on the lives of children with autism and their families.
