💬 Communication Boards Bring a Voice to North Ayrshire’s Play Parks
- Celine Dyer
- Nov 3, 2023
- 1 min read
North Ayrshire is making strides toward greater inclusivity with the installation of communication boards in play parks across the region. These boards are designed to support children with additional support needs (ASN), particularly those who are non-verbal or neurodivergent, by using symbols and visuals to help them express themselves during play.
💙 A Community-Led Change: This initiative was sparked by Emma Tricker, a mum from Irvine, whose four-year-old daughter Emilie-Rose is autistic and non-verbal. After seeing how much Emilie-Rose benefited from a similar board in a Renfrewshire park, Emma and her husband Kenny reached out to North Ayrshire Council — and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
🛝 Where You’ll Find the Boards: The council has confirmed that communication boards are being installed in the following locations:
Dalry
South Beach, Ardrossan
Winton Circus, Saltcoats
Makerston, Largs
Eglinton Park, Irvine
Stevenston
Arran
These boards are part of a broader effort by the council to make play parks more inclusive, which also includes the addition of sensory panels and nest swings.
🗣️ A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said:
“These communication boards can make a big difference to children with neurodivergent conditions by using visuals and patterns to help them express themselves. They are particularly helpful for non-verbal children.”
🙌 More Than Just Play: This initiative is about more than just equipment — it’s about empowering children, supporting families, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. Emma and Kenny’s advocacy is a powerful reminder of how community voices can lead to meaningful change.
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