New playground signs foster inclusivity

(L-R) City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn with Rocky Bay Speech Pathologist Jessica Morrison, Rocky Bay Clinical Operations Manager Jasmeet Flora-Drage, City of Greater Geraldton A/Coordinator Community Development Pavlina Heiderova and City of Greater Geraldton A/Manager Community & Cultural Development Peter Treharne with one of the new Communication Boards.

Signs to help individuals communicate have been installed at various playgrounds in Geraldton, helping to create an inclusive environment for all.

The Communication Boards are a collaboration between the City of Greater Geraldton and Rocky Bay to increase social skills and aid language development, especially with those who have difficulty speaking.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said they are welcome additions.

“These vibrant signs display symbols to help youngsters express themselves non-verbally, which will allow everyone to have a fun and safe time in our playgrounds,” he said.

“Our thanks to Rocky Bay for initiating the idea and helping us promote a more inclusive and connected community.

“I look forward to Communication Boards being added to other spaces in the City of Greater Geraldton in the future.”

Rocky Bay Clinical Operations Manager Jasmeet Flora-Drage said communication is everyone’s right.

“The boards can support someone with their understanding, expression, making new friends and connections as well as building awareness for people who have troubles communicating,” she said. 

“I am proud to be a part of an organisation that can support us with providing accessible communication to the community.

“I hope the communication boards are a step forward to a more inclusive community in the Midwest.”

The Communication Boards have been installed at both the Beresford and Geraldton Foreshore playgrounds, with the vision for more to be added around Greater Geraldton in the future.

The City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan seeks to develop and improve access to services, facilities, programs and events, and the addition of these signs is a step closer in achieving that.

The strategic document can be viewed here.