Mayo county town takes big steps towards inclusion with new initiative
Communication boards erected at local playgrounds
Castlebar has taken another significant step on its journey to becoming an Autism Friendly Town with the installation of communication boards at three popular playgrounds across the town.
Further communication boards are planned for local schools and sporting facilities around the town in the near future.
The new boards from the Funding Charlie’s Voice charity are designed to support children and adults with communication differences—have been installed at the Castlebar Town Playground (near Scoil Raifteirí), the Tennis Club playground, and Lough Lannagh playground near the graveyard.
The initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between Castlebar Rotary Club and the Local Autism Friendly Town Committee.
Communication boards are visual tools that use pictures and symbols to help people express themselves, especially those with autism, speech delays, or language processing challenges.
The boards make it easier for children of all abilities to play, interact, and be included.
Speaking about the project, John Page, chair of the Castlebar Autism Friendly Town Committee, said: “This is about making Castlebar a place where everyone, regardless of their communication style, feels welcome and included.
"These playgrounds are now more accessible and more inviting to every child in our community.”
Councillor Ger Deere who is a member Castlebar Autism Friendly Town Committee and works as an SNA in Snugboro School, praised the project.
He stated: "I am delighted to see Castlebar leading the way in inclusion. These communication boards will make a difference in the daily lives of children in school yards, in playgrounds and in our sporting facilities around the town.
"I commend everyone involved in making this happen. They show what we can achieve when local organisations and the community work together.”
President of Castlebar Rotary Club, John Mulroy, added: “The Rotary Club is proud to be part of this important step forward.
"These communication boards are a simple yet powerful way to help children connect with others, feel confident, and be heard.
"We are delighted to be able to provide funding for these boards. I would like to thank our club member Finian Joyce for all his work on this project."
The boards were funded in part by a Rotary District Grant, with Castlebar Rotary Club providing the balance as part of the overall project costs.
The project builds on the success of recent initiatives such as Sensory Walks, Autism Awareness Week, and the Mayo Autism CAMP, all of which have earned Castlebar national recognition for its inclusivity efforts.
A community launch event is planned later this summer to officially unveil the communication boards, with families and community members encouraged to attend and see the boards in action.
Castlebar is aiming to become the third officially recognised Autism Friendly Town in Ireland—and the first in the North West. For more information on the project, visit www.castlebarrotary.com or follow updates from the Castlebar Autism Friendly Town Committee on social media.