For Immediate Release
April 27, 2022
Contact: Press.Office@Suffolkcountyny.gov
Communication Board is the First in a Suffolk County Park
Click Here for Photos from Today’s Event
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today joined the Suffolk County Parks Department to unveil a nonverbal communication board at Blydenburgh County Park in the picnic area playground. The board uses pictures and icons to allow nonverbal individuals to easily communicate without the use of a personal augmentative and alternative communication (ACC) device. The Park’s inclusive Communication Board is the first to be installed in a Suffolk County Park.
“It is vital that all of our residents are able to communicate effectively and safely while enjoying all of the amenities that Suffolk County has to offer, and that includes while being out in our parks,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “I look forward to this Communication Board being the first of many to be installed across our County parks.”
Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey said: “This is an important initiative, and everything we can do to help children who are nonverbal communicate with the rest of the world. It is a comfort to the families and supporters to know that Suffolk County government understands the importance of working together to provide help and compassion to those who need it most.”
Minority Leader Jason Richberg said: “The installation of the nonverbal communication board at Blydenburgh County Park is a step in the right direction to a more inclusive society for all people in all communities. No one should be excluded due to our differences.”
Legislator Leslie Kennedy said: “There should be no barriers for anyone to enjoy our resources here in Suffolk County, nor any be left to feel alienated. By installing this nonverbal communication board at Blydenburgh Park, we remove one more obstacle for our nonverbal residents, specifically nonverbal children. We also engender the opportunity for a greater sense of community for all those that visit the park to understand one another better. I look forward to the installation of nonverbal communication boards in our other county parks.”
To use the communication board, individuals point to pictures of play equipment and symbols on display to express their thoughts and feelings. The boards are designed to encourage a sense of community as well as helping to create a diverse play space for all individuals. There is a digital QR code included on the board that takes users to the County website where they can find a digital version of the communication board, as well as copies of the playground photos for use on their own ACC devices.
The County has plans to install the communication boards at other parks, including: Lakeland, Indian Island, Cathedral Pines and Smith Point.
Suffolk County Parks manages over 60,000 acres of parkland that include a variety of recreational areas with beaches, hiking trails, and camp grounds all providing an array of outdoor activities and scenic vistas.
Jason Smagin, Parks Commissioner said: “Suffolk County Parks is excited to add communication boards to our playgrounds in an effort to create a more inclusive play environment. During the design phase of this project we gained invaluable information and feedback from our partners throughout the community and look forward to seeing this project evolve as we continue to install boards in additional locations.”
Deb Thivierge, CEO, ELIJA Foundation said: "Steve has consistently taken determined action when it comes to working together with the autism community. It has been an honor to be in continuous partnership with someone who cares so deeply about what we stand for. From our work allocating an amazing $10,000,000 for special needs housing and protecting long islands farmland through the land preservation program, to now creating communication boards to ensure inclusivity while opening the door for everyone, regardless of ability, to enjoy Suffolk County parks in a way we haven’t seen before … Steve takes determined action!"
Edward J. Nitkewicz, Autism Speaks, Long Island Chapter, said: “The Special Needs Community on Long Island celebrates every effort to include those who are differently abled. Non-verbal or individuals with limited communication abilities struggle to participate in many of the simple joys of life, like romping through a playground. The addition of a nonverbal communication board at Blydenburgh Park will enable differently abled children to enjoy its playground despite their challenges.”
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