Making Communication More Accessible at the South West Sports Centre

The South West Sports Centre has taken another important step towards creating a more accessible and inclusive community space with the installation of a new Communication Board.

The board provides another way for people to communicate their needs, choices, thoughts and feelings. It may be particularly useful for people who are non speaking, use alternative forms of communication, or experience barriers with verbal communication.

Using a combination of pictures, symbols, words, letters and signs, the board gives people more options to communicate while visiting the centre.

Importantly, the impact was almost immediate. According to the South West Sports Centre, people began using the Communication Board within the first 30 minutes of it being installed.

Removing communication barriers

Being able to communicate is an important part of being able to participate in community life.

Busy environments such as sporting and recreation facilities can create additional communication barriers for some people. Having accessible communication tools readily available can make it easier for people to ask for what they need, make choices, participate in activities and communicate with staff and other community members.

Communication Boards also recognise that people communicate in many different ways. Providing different communication options helps create environments that do not rely solely on spoken communication.

The new board was developed with assistance from Emily from Empower Every Voice and Laura from OutLoud Developmental Services, who supported its planning and development.

Small changes can make a difference

While a Communication Board may seem like a simple addition to a community facility, its use within minutes of installation shows the difference practical accessibility initiatives can make.

Creating accessible communities is not always about large changes. Sometimes it means recognising a barrier and introducing a practical tool that gives people more choice, independence and opportunity to participate.

For the South West Sports Centre, the Communication Board forms part of a broader commitment to creating a space where community members can participate, connect and communicate in ways that work for them.

Even more encouragingly, the South West Sports Centre has indicated that additional Communication Boards are expected to appear in locations around the City.

Expanding accessible communication across community spaces can help more people feel confident using local facilities and participating in community life.

Initiatives like this are a great example of what can happen when accessibility is considered as part of everyday community spaces, helping to create a South West where more people can communicate, participate and belong.

Find out more about Communication Boards and accessible communication through the City of Bunbury.

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