Local charity Umbrella works with council on inclusive signs designed to help children communicate
Three play areas in Derby are now more welcoming to all children, thanks to inclusive new signage designed to help communication. Markeaton Park, Alvaston Park and the Arboretum now boast communication boards featuring Widgit Symbols and the British Sign Language (BSL) alphabet.
A communication board featuring Widgit Symbols, photo courtesy of Derby City Council
The city council’s parks team worked in partnership with local charity Umbrella to develop the boards. Umbrella specialises in supporting children and young people with needs including physical, sensory, learning and behavioural disabilities.
The communication boards make use of Widgit Symbols, a globally recognised tool comprising more than 20,000 icons that translate complex vocabulary into clear, colourful illustrations. This enables children of all ages and abilities to more easily express their needs and interact with peers.
As well as the Widgit Symbols boards, the partnership has also produced a sign featuring the BSL finger-spelling alphabet to prompt visitors to learn the basics of signing. The aim is to empower existing BSL users while encouraging hearing children to engage with a new form of communication.
Together, the new signage is intended to raise awareness of the diverse ways in which people connect. The prominent position in the city’s public play spaces will mean, it is hoped, that children who use Widgit or BSL will feel more feel seen, heard and included in the community.
Plans are already under way to install further communication boards around the city, as part of the council’s wider commitment to developing inclusive and accessible parks and green spaces.
Nicola Green, Project Manager of Play and Leisure at Umbrella, says: ‘We are extremely pleased that communication boards are being installed in Derby’s parks. Communication is vital for everyone, and having these resources available is fantastic.
‘Many children and adults with disabilities already use these symbols at home or in educational settings, and it’s wonderful that they can now access the same support within the community. These boards also help raise awareness of the different communication aids people use, promoting greater understanding and inclusivity for all.’
Cllr Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Parks and Leisure at Derby City Council, adds: ‘By introducing these Widgit and BSL signs, we are removing barriers to communication and ensuring that our play areas are truly inclusive spaces. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Umbrella for their invaluable help and expertise in making this project a reality. It’s wonderful to see children of all abilities being given the tools to connect and play together.’
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