NIB Communication Boards
Communication Board Templates
Neurodiversity in Business offer the following template images for printing. We are working on incorporating additional specific scenarios into the boards, as well as non-English language templates.
Please email us with any request: communicationboard@neurodiversity.org
General Areas
Schools
Playground
Communication Board User Guide
We have made all the information on this webpage available in a downloadable PDF user guide if you prefer that.
What are Communication Boards?
Communication boards are essential tools designed to assist non-speaking individuals in expressing their needs, thoughts, and emotions.
- They allow non-speaking people to communicate without speaking, by touching symbols or pictures on the board
- This can significantly improve their quality of life supporting their personal expression and increasing their independence and participation in community life.
“Installing a communication board won’t only make our community spaces more accessible for non-speakers but importantly, they will raise awareness of autism and get the people who use the park talking about those children who communicate in other ways than the ‘standard’ spoken communication. It’s so important for society to accept that Autistic people aee ‘different’ but not ‘less.’”
Dan Harris, Founder and Champion, Neurodiversity in Business
Making communication accessible for non-speaking individuals.
Communication boards can be pivotal in creating inclusive environments that respect and uphold the communication rights of all individuals, regardless of their verbal abilities.
- They can be used in areas such as educational settings, healthcare facilities, and public spaces. It is crucial to place them in accessible public spaces such as parks, libraries and community centres.
- Thoughtful design and strategic placement should be used to make them accessible in the local community
- Visual symbols and clear, straightforward layouts should be used to cater to the cognitive and sensory preferences of users
Important Considerations for the Accessibility of Communication Boards
Although the boards enhance accessibility, it is important to make sure that we consider the following to make them accessible to as many people as possible:
Physical Access
Install the boards at an appropriate height and locations that are easily accessible to individuals who may use mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
Community Training
Training for community members and staff in these public venues can also enhance the effectiveness of the communication boards.
Inclusive Environment
Placement of these boards in accessible public spaces such as parks, libraries, and community centres is crucial.
Printing a Communication Board
To print a Communication Board, the following things will need to happen:
Find a Printing Company
We recommend using a printer who has experience in producing communication boards and is knowledgeable about the specific requirements for durability and usability.
- To reduce costs, consider a local printer.
- Select durable and suitable materials for frequent use. You could use laminated plastic, or even metal depending on where the boards will be placed (indoors or outdoors).
Get Printing Costs
You can either print the boards yourself via a local supplier, or request this from our existing supplier BigPrinting (bigprinting.co.uk) based in Huntingdon, UK (01480 492111).
- Our costs detail the per-board printing cost from an existing supplier, which you can use as a guide
- You are free to source your own supplier if you prefer
- Installation costs are additional and to be arranged locally, either through your local council or independently.
Cost Per Board
- 1 Board
- 10 Boards
- 11-50 Boards
- 51-100 Boards
- 101-500 Boards
- 501-1000 Boards
Arrange Funding
You can apply for funding or create a fundraising campaign or Partnership. It is important to thoroughly review each organisation’s guidelines and application procedure before applying.
Local Government Funding: Local councils may offer grants for community projects including communication aids.
Charitable Organisations and Trusts: Baily Thomas Charitable Fund, the Elifar Foundation and others provide grants for communication aids for people with severe disabilities.
Healthcare Routes: Sometimes individual funding can be extended to community settings, (e.g. care homes).
Partnering with Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges sometimes partner with community projects for research purposes or as part of their corporate social responsibility programs.
Crowdfunding and Community Fundraising: Platforms like JustGiving and GoFundMe allow communities to raise money for specific causes, including disability aids.
Corporate Sponsorship: Local businesses and corporations may be interested in sponsoring community projects, especially those that improve inclusivity and accessibility.
Foundation Grants: National Lottery Community Fund and others support projects that help communities to thrive.
Order your Boards
Place the order with the chosen company and specify the sizes, materials, and any other relevant details. Confirm the expected delivery schedule to coordinate installation in the community. Current boards are being printed at the size of 1131mm wide x 800mm high
Let us Know
Email us at communicationboard@neurodiversity.org with a photo and the location so we can share the good news!
Board Installation Checklist
Support for installation should be obtained from local contractors or your local council’s environmental team. Before Installation begins, please review this checklist
Board Location
- Do you have permission to install the board at the chosen location(s)?
- Where are people going to be able to access it and use it easily?
- Is the site accessible for wheelchairs or other access needs?
- What height will it need to be to make sure everyone can easily point to it?
Board Installation
- Who has been chosen to install the board?
- Are they suitably qualified and do they have the correct equipment?
- If outside: Does the board have a firm foundation in the ground?
- Is the board firmly attached to wooden posts?
- If Inside: is the board securely mounted to the wall?
- Is the chosen height going to be accessible for everybody to point at?
Update! Free Board Installation Now Offered
Ecowelle Limited, a leading facilities provider across the UK, has partnered with Neurodiversity in Business to facilitate the installation of communication boards.
Organisations facing financial difficulties in installing these boards, but already possessing the printed boards, can contact us for complimentary installation at their specified locations.
Upon receiving an installation enquiry, a pro forma invoice will be issued to cover only the cost of required installation materials such as plywood, screws, installation columns, as well as any travel and parking expenses, if applicable.
Currently this offer is for London across SE England whereas, Ecowelle is happy to discuss the requirements and agree suitable arrangements to cover the materials, travel cost for other regions as well.
For further information, please contact Christian Pagano at facilities@ecowelle.com, who will be happy to provide additional guidance.
In case of emergencies, please email zac@ecowelle.com for a prompt reply.
Further Questions
We thank you for your interest in installing a Communication Board locally, If you have any questions please contact us at: communicationboard@neurodiversity.org