PECS boards would make local playgrounds "inclusive" spaces for all children - SF
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Defence Sorca Clarke TD and her party colleagues and community representatives Hazel Behan and David Jones have called on Westmeath County Council to introduce autism-friendly PECS Playground Boards in all public playgrounds across the county.
PECS boards, explained Deputy Clarke, are an essential tool that allows many non-verbal children to communicate with their parents and caregivers.
“Children who are non-verbal and use PECS regularly as their form of communicating are often reluctant to use local playgrounds and park areas because they feel isolated from their peers. This needs to be addressed as a playground should be an all-inclusive space for children of all abilities to play and socialise with each other.
“I am in regular contact with parents of children with autism across the constituency and they have highlighted the need for PECS boards to be made available in local playgrounds and for very little expense Westmeath County Council could lead the way for introducing a progressive policy that would enhance inclusivity for people with autism in our community."
Sinn Féin local area representative in the Kinnegad LEA, David Jones, echoed the calls from Deputy Clarke for WCC to provide PECS boards which he described as "an import communication aid for non-verbal children".
He continued: "It can be very frustrating for people who communicate in different ways, such as through pictures, to be in a position where they struggle to be heard. Introducing communication boards will make our local playgrounds much more accommodating and fun places for non-verbal children.”
Sinn Féin local area representative in Mullingar Town, Hazel Behan said that any initiative that results in giving a voice to children and adults living with additional needs in our community is a positive and progressive measure that must be a priority.
"Communication boards in our local playgrounds," said Hazel, "would give non-verbal children the opportunity to communicate, increase the opportunity for interaction, learning and the development of social and language skills in a fun and friendly space.”
“I look forward to WCC making our local playgrounds a place where we can overcome language barriers alongside encouraging imaginative play. I have contacted Westmeath County Council on behalf of Sorca and I look forward to hearing back from them.”, concluded Hazel.