We believe that communication is for all

What is this?

There are many different ways in which people can communicate. This includes verbal speech, gestures, facial expressions, sign language, augmentative communication, spelling, and more. This is called a core communication board and it is one way to make communication easier for limited or non speaking individuals to participate, make choices, connect with others, and enjoy our community. 

Our communities are strongest when everyone has the opportunity to belong.

Honoring diversity means recognizing and valuing the many ways people experience, communicate, learn, move through, and participate in the world. It means creating spaces where differences are not something to be fixed or hidden, but understood, respected, and welcomed.

In our town, inclusion can begin with small, intentional changes: providing multiple ways to communicate, creating spaces to regulate, making information easier to understand, listening to people with lived experience, and teaching our community how to recognize and respect different needs.

Communication should not stop when someone leaves school.

Autistic and developmentally disabled people are members of our communities. They go to parks, restaurants, libraries, festivals, stores, sporting events, and community gatherings.

Providing communication support in public spaces helps create opportunities for people to: communicate, participate, connect, choose, and belong.

Why are Communication Boards in our Community?

How to use the board

You can use this board to:

  • Make a choice

  • Ask for something

  • Tell someone how you feel

  • Ask for help

  • Say yes or no

  • Make a friend

  • Talk about what you're doing

  • Play with someone

  • Take a break

  • Say "all done"

Communication Tips

  • Allow for time! Don’t rush or answer for them. 

  • Words are not the only way people communicate!

  • You can teach individuals to use the board without expecting anything! Point to the symbols while you talk. This teaches them how to use it!

  • A person may understand much more than they are able to express. Presuming understanding leads to providing opportunities. 

  • Talk about what they’re interested in and what they are doing! Have fun!

  • When we honor communication, more communication comes!

Where to find more!

Hasbrouck Park (New Paltz)

Majestic Park (Gardiner)

Coming Soon:

Veterans Park (Montgomery)

Benedict Park (Montgomery)

Garrison Park (Wallkill)

POPS (Wallkill)

Verkeerderkill Park (Wallkill

Galeville Park (Wallkill)