Councillor Rachel Ashe welcomes agreement on communication board motion
Alliance Comber Councillor Rachel Ashe has welcomed agreement at Ards and North Down Borough Council on her motion to install communication boards in play parks in the Borough, in order to assist children with speech and language difficulties or communication difficulties, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Originally tabled in May, at last week’s Community and Wellbeing Committee (13 November), the actions set out within the feasibility report were agreed, meaning that the boards will be installed subject to rates setting.
Cllr Ashe has said: “I am absolutely delighted that the council has agreed to implement communication boards at Tier 1 parks.
“It is essential that our parks and open spaces are inclusive and accessible to everyone, including those with speech, language, and communication needs, and communication boards play a crucial role in achieving this.
“It was only after speaking with a constituent about her experiences with children with autism that the need for this motion became so stark.
“The children didn’t want to go to playparks as they couldn’t communicate while they were there, meaning that they missed out on experiences that so many of us look back on so fondly – playing on swings and slides with their friends.
“Hopefully this motion will go some way to addressing this issue, alongside as the similar motions my Alliance colleagues are bringing to councils elsewhere, and ensuring all children have the opportunity to enjoy our park facilities to the fullest.”
Alliance Strangford MLA Nick Mathison added: “As Chair of the Education Committee, I am acutely aware of how play contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of children.
