Members of the Fairhaven Commission on Disability get a little help unveiling the Communication Board at Livesey Park, near the playground, on 10/7/24. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Commission on Disability unveiled a communication board near the playground at Livesey Park on 1/7/24. The board uses pictures and simple words to help non-verbal and minimally speaking individuals get their point across and understand what others are trying to say to them.
COD chairperson Pamela Whynot said that East Fairhaven School principal, Wendy Weidenfeller asked the commission about the possibility of getting the board after a family asked about it.
Ms. Whynot said it was a “very exciting addition” to the park.
Part of the mission of the COD is to eliminate barriers to make Fairhaven more inclusive and equitable. The board is one step in making that happen.
When spoken language is not a person’s primary way to communicate, a communication board can help. They can point to the pictures in sequence to spell out concepts such as “I want to play on the swing.”
Select Board Chairperson Stasia Powers also spoke, calling the board an “important addition to the playground.”
Fairhaven Commission on Disability Chairperson Pamela Whynot helps young Grace Pacella learn about the new Communication Board after it was unveiled on 10/7/24, whlie COD member Eleanor Chew, and Select Board member Andrew Romano watch. Photo by Beth David.
She said the board makes the playground more inclusive for people who need the board, but it also promotes awareness for everyone else.
“It helps individuals develop in so many ways,” she said.
And it promotes empathy with the other children. When they see others using the board, it helps them understand that not everybody communicates in the same way.
“I love the Commission on Disability for doing this,” said Ms. Powers.
Superintendent of Public Works, Vinnie Furtado, also spoke, noting tha the Board of Public Works is in charge of the parks.
He said it was just another example of them doing their best with other town officials to make the town more accessible for people. He noted that last year they added beach mats for people in wheelchairs to be able to get to the water.
“We’re very happy about this,” said Mr. Furtado, adding they are open to suggestions on other things to do.
Members of the Fairhaven Commission on Disability and other town officials pose next to the Communication Board at Livesey Park, near the playground, after it was unveiled on 10/7/24. Photo by Beth David.
Ms. Whynot noted that the town also now owns an adaptive bicycle that the public can sign out from the Recreation Center. It is designed for children who cannot ride a traditional bike because of physical limitations.
“And we have the beautiful bike trail,” she said, which runs right behind the Rec Center building.
To learn more about the work of the Commission on Disability, find them on Facebook, https://www. facebook.com/FairhavenCOD or email COD@Fairhaven-MA.gov
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