Welcome to the Coastal C.A.R.E.S. Community Communication Board Initiative

A Community Effort! If you're here, you've likely discovered one of our communication boards in a local school, library, playground, or community space. Welcome!

Every Coastal C.A.R.E.S. communication board represents the generosity, collaboration, and dedication of our community.
These boards are made possible through partnerships with local schools, Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs), libraries, community organizations, businesses, volunteers, Girl Scout troops, and individual donors who believe that every child deserves access to communication.
Some boards are funded through community donations, some are sponsored by local organizations, and others are donated directly through Coastal C.A.R.E.S. Regardless of how each board comes to life, they all share the same purpose: creating spaces where every child feels included, connected, and empowered to communicate.
Together, we're building a community where communication is accessible—not just in therapy rooms, but in the places where children learn, play, explore, and grow.
Thank you to every individual, family, organization, and community partner who helps make this initiative possible. Every contribution, big or small, helps create more opportunities for connection and belonging.

Who Is This Board For?

The simple answer...

Everyone.

While these boards are especially helpful for children who use AAC or benefit from visual supports, they were designed for every child on the playground.

This includes:

Children who use AAC
Autistic children
Emerging communicators
English language learners
Children with speech or language differences
Young learners
Curious friends who want to communicate in new ways

Communication is universal, and everyone is welcome to use the board.

How Do I Use It?

You don't need any special training.

The best way to use a communication board is simply to point to a few symbols while talking naturally.

For example:

"I want the swing."

Point to:

I
Want
Swing

Or...

"My turn!"

Point to:

My
Turn

Children learn best when adults and peers model language during everyday interactions.

There is no expectation that a child points to every word—or even responds right away. Every time someone models language, they're creating another opportunity for learning.

How You Can Help?

You can make a difference by:

Pointing to symbols while you talk.
Encouraging communication in any form.
Celebrating every communication attempt.
Inviting every child to join in play.
Remembering that communication is more important than perfection.

Small moments create meaningful connections.

Communication Looks Different for Everyone:

Some children talk.

Some point.

Some sign.

Some use pictures.

Some use speech-generating devices.

Some communicate with facial expressions, eye gaze, or gestures.

Every one of these is communication.There is no "right" way to communicate, only different ways.

Why Does This Matter?

Communication isn't just about asking for things.

It's about making friends.

It's about joining a game.

It's about saying "Watch me!"

It's about asking for help.

It's about expressing feelings.

t's about belonging.

When we make communication accessible, we make play more inclusive.

Did You Know?

Research shows that using AAC and communication boards supports language development. They do not prevent children from learning to speak.In fact, modeling language through pictures often helps children better understand and use spoken language.

Where you found us:

Nellie Bennett Elementary School Playground (Coming Soon)

These playground communication boards supports students in requesting, socializing, expressing feelings, asking for help, and participating during recess and outdoor play.

Point Pleasant Library
Nellie Bennett Elementary School Library (Coming Soon)
Ocean Road Elementary School Library (Coming Soon)

These library communication board supports children in navigating the library, choosing activities and books, expressing needs, interacting with others, and participating in community programs.

Heritage Park (Point Pleasant, NJ)

Thank You To Our Community Partners

📍 Point Pleasant Library

Community Partners & Sponsors: Coastal Speech Therapy Donation
Status: ✅ Installed

📍 Heritage Park (Point Pleasant)

Community Partners & Sponsors: Girl Scout Troop 60929 • Rare Genes Movement • Coastal Speech Therapy Donation
Status: ✅ Installed

📍 Nellie Bennett Elementary School Library

Community Partners & Sponsors: Coastal Speech Therapy
Status: 🚧 Coming Soon

📍 Ocean Road Elementary School Library

Community Partners & Sponsors: Coastal Speech Therapy
Status: 🚧 Coming Soon

📍 Nellie Bennett Elementary Playground

Community Partners & Sponsors: Nellie Bennett PTO • Coastal Speech Therapy Donation
Status: 🚧 Coming Soon

🌱 Future Community Location

Community Partners & Sponsors: Sponsor Needed
Status: Planned

Would you like to bring a communication board to your school, library, playground, park, or community space?Coastal C.A.R.E.S. welcomes partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, civic groups, youth organizations, and community members who share our vision of making communication accessible to everyone.Whether you're interested in sponsoring a board, fundraising, volunteering, or collaborating on a future project, we'd love to connect.Together, we can build a more inclusive community,one conversation at a time.

(908) 349-0310

info@coastalspeechnj.com

Become a Community Partner

Thank You

Thank you for helping create a space where every child feels included, valued, and heard.One board may seem small, but it can open the door to countless conversations, new friendships, and a stronger sense of belonging.Because every child deserves the opportunity to connect.

A Coastal C.A.R.E.S Community Communication Project

Coastal C.A.R.E.S. is the community outreach initiative of Coastal Speech Therapy, LLC. Through educational resources, communication supports, donations, and community partnerships, the program works to make communication more accessible in the places where children learn, play, and connect.

Coastal C.A.R.E.S. reflects our commitment to Communication, Access, Resources, Education, and Support.

unity.

The communication boards were created using Boardmaker® software and PCS® (Picture Communication Symbols). PCS® and Boardmaker® are registered trademarks of Tobii Dynavox and are used in accordance with the applicable licensing terms.