Thanks to a generous donation from Help is at Hand, a local speech-language pathology center, the Gardner Field playground will soon be installing a Communication Board. The addition aims to make the playground more inclusive for individuals who are non-verbal or have limited speech.
Help is at Hand, owned by speech-language pathologist Jamie Grasso, has been serving Denville and surrounding towns for the past six years. The center is certified in the PROMPT system and Auditory Verbal Therapy, providing services for clients with apraxia, hearing loss, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration needs, and more.
A communication board is a tool that displays pictures, symbols, or illustrations to help people communicate when verbal speech is not possible or preferred. Users can point to or gesture at the images to express their wants and needs.
The board will support community members of all ages, including visitors from Celebrate the Children, by allowing them to express themselves during play. It will help individuals with communication challenges participate in social interactions, build friendships, and share what they want or do not want to do.
When Gardner Field playground was recently redone, the township made it a priority to ensure the playground was ADA compliant and accessible to everyone. The communication board is another step toward making the space welcoming to all.
Jamie Grasso, both a business owner and local resident, wanted to give back to the community in a way that reflects the mission of Help is at Hand. Her clientele includes families and schools throughout Morris County who will benefit from the addition of this tool.
The communication board will be installed over the summer in collaboration with the Denville Parks and Recreation Department. Help is at Hand plans to share a confirmed installation date in the near future and welcomes community interest and support in spreading awareness.
