Communication boards rolled out in Balla playground

THE first communication boards for children with special needs in Mayo have been launched in Balla playground.

Feedback has been hugely positive, with the boards making the playground more inclusive for all children.

The project was kickstarted by Amanda McGuinness, a local mum whose three boys have autism, who shared a post on social media about communication boards and wondered if it was possible to have them for children in Mayo.

The boards help children who have additional needs communicate with their peers, meaning no one gets left out.

Councillor Donna Sheridan saw Amanda's post and set the ball rolling when she tabled a motion at a Castlebar Municipal District meeting, which was supported by all the councillors.

Amanda, who has produced many communications and support resources for people with additional needs through her Little Puddins and The Autism Educator platforms, offered her expertise during the design process.

She paid tribute to council staff and councillors, Deputy Michael Ring, Balla CRD, Balla Tidy Towns, Balla Parks and the No Name Club for their help with the project.

She commented after the launch: “At the park today it was so lovely to see so many children up looking at the boards and talking about them.

“My own boys have loved visiting the park and Conor has the biggest smile using the boards knowing we understand him.”

Commented Councillor Sheridan: “I have received such positive feedback on the boards.

"It's vital that we make all our amenities inclusive for people with additional needs.”

She thanked her fellow councillors and the council team, including Iarla Moran, Padraig Kelly and Declan Clarke, for bringing the project to fruition.