South River playground to get specialized communications equipment

By Local Journalism initiative Reporter Olivia Bradbury

The Town of South River will install a communication board at a local playground to make it more accessible for neurodivergent children.

At last month’s public meeting, council addressed a letter from a resident asking if the Town would consider installing a communication board. The boards feature images and words that people who are non-verbal or have other speech issues can use to communicate without speaking. Communication boards are becoming more common in playgrounds to make them more accessible for children with disabilities.

Deputy Mayor Melissa Hierlihy noted that communication boards had been installed in both Clarke’s Beach and Bay Roberts.

After some discussion, and noting that there are neurodivergent children in South River, council decided to have Town Clerk Marjorie Dawson to look for quotes for a communication board.

Dawson presented three quotes at this month’s public meeting. Council went with the lowest bid of $275 from Auto Effects Incorporated in Spaniard’s Bay.

A motion to accept the quote was made by councillor David Petten and seconded by councillor Maggie Snow. All voted in favour.

The Town will install the communication board at the playground on Springfield Road, which already has some accessible equipment, including its swings.