For children with speech issues, communication can be a massive hurdle, even when just trying to have a fun day at the park. Speech pathologist Stephanie Harrigan and special education teacher Brian Majestic are trying to change that by getting a “communication board” installed at New Paltz’s Hasbrouck Park.
The board features pictures and words representing common nouns and verbs that a child can point to, in order to communicate whether they want to go on the slide, are feeling too hot, or more.
“So, if you wanted to ask your child if they wanted to go on the swing, you can say, ‘Do you want to go on the swing?'” Harrigan said while pointing to the pictures for “you,” “want,” “go” and “swing.”
The pair said the board has already been a huge hit. They’re trying to get more installed at parks in Ulster County, like in the villages of Gardiner and Wallkill. They also established Inclusive Minds LLC, so that they can spread their message of accessibility and inclusivity countywide.
“We’ve also been working with the New Paltz EMS in updating protocols so that they are able to better care for patients that have neurodivergent needs,” Majestic said. “We have a training with the New Paltz Police Department, focusing on how to identify neurodivergent community members and how best to interact with them.”
The idea for the board was brought to Mayor Alexandria Wojick by Harrigan and in just about two months, was made a reality. The sign was donated by Boyer Sign Company in Phoenicia. Wojick says this is part of a concerted effort by the village government to make shared spaces more accessible.
“I think this is going to help us think of different ways to be accessible in all the ways and all the other spaces,” Wojick said. “[Harrigan] and I are already talking about the Moriello pool playground and some other spots in the area that we can install similar boards.”