COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTON/NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor M. Johansson

That the Chief Executive install autism friendly communication boards in the parks in the Lucan/Palmerstown/Fonthill LEA to help children with ASD to enjoy the parks and facilities. (see attached image from Wexford County Council)

REPORT:

The Council is supportive in general of measures that would increase the accessibility and inclusivity of our playgrounds and are currently evaluating the level of need for the communication boards. We have contacted our Disability Officer and her fellow Access Officers around the country and also the Special Projects Team responsible for the playground at Min Ryan Park in Wexford.

In addition, we have contacted a speech and language therapist who submitted the recent information on the communication boards, who has given us information on how the proposal relates particularly to playgrounds.

We understand that many children who have this need have their own communication cards but may not always need to have them with them.  In some cases, children who have a mild or moderate disability can become unable to concentrate in a playground as it can be an overstimulating environment. In such cases the boards would help the children and parents to maintain communication and allow the child to continue using the playground. 

The Council intend to install a communication board on a pilot basis in the playground in Corkagh Park, which is currently under construction.  We can examine feedback from parents / children before considering their further roll out.