A Voice on the Playground: Somos Bilingües Unveils Dobbs Ferry’s First Communication Board

Jaridy Fabre
Oct 24
2 min read

Imagine a playground where every child can ask to swing higher, join a game of tag, or tell a friend “thank you”—with or without words. That vision became reality on July 8, 2025, when Somos Bilingües proudly donated and unveiled the Village of Dobbs Ferry’s first-ever playground communication board at Gould Park, opening the door to truly inclusive play across Westchester County.

What is a playground communication board?

A playground communication board is a durable, weather-resistant sign covered with pictures and words that children can point to in order to share needs, feelings, and ideas. Boards like the one installed in Dobbs Ferry use symbol-supported language to help nonspeaking and minimally speaking communicators, English learners, and young children express themselves during play.

Why this matters for Dobbs Ferry—now and for years to come

Fosters communication so children can request turns, share preferences, and solve problems together.
Promotes inclusion and social interaction, inviting all children—regardless of speech or language ability—into the game.
Raises community awareness about speech, language, and special education supports, normalizing AAC in everyday spaces.
Reduces frustration and anxiety around verbal demands by providing clear visual options.
Builds language and learning opportunities (core words, action words, feelings) every time a family visits the park—benefits that compound across childhood.
Stands up to real life, with weather-proof construction designed for outdoor use and daily wear.

Together, these impacts turn a neighborhood park into a living language classroom—supporting speech-language development, peer connections, and confident participation for all kids, today and long into the future.

Community-first accessibility

By placing a robust AAC tool in a public space, Dobbs Ferry signals that belonging isn’t an add-on—it’s the standard. Families and caregivers gain a practical way to model language during play (“go,” “stop,” “my turn,” “help”), while siblings and friends learn to communicate across differences. This everyday exposure to AAC nurtures empathy and strengthens the social fabric of the community.

A milestone—and a movement

Across the country, cities are embracing communication boards to make parks more inclusive. Dobbs Ferry joins this growing momentum, demonstrating how a single board can catalyze equity, access, and joyful participation in shared public spaces.

Our commitment

Somos Bilingües serves children and families across New York with a holistic, culturally responsive approach to therapy and evaluation. Donating Dobbs Ferry’s first playground communication board reflects our core belief that everyone deserves a voice—everywhere. We’re honored to partner with local leaders, schools, and families to expand inclusive play throughout Westchester County.

How you can use the board on your next visit

Model often: Point to symbols as you talk (“Let’s go to the slide,” “Your turn!”).
Invite peers in: Encourage kids to use the board to join games and make requests.
Celebrate attempts: Any point, gesture, or vocalization is communication worth acknowledging.
Keep it consistent: Use the same core words across park visits to build familiarity and carryover.