Sunnyside Playground Iniative

An accessibility initiative came to Sunnyside Elementary School's playground last week, thanks to a grant from the Red Wing Public Schools Foundation.

A large-scale communication board featuring bilingual symbols and pictures was installed to help all students and community members communicate effectively during outdoor play.

The project was spearheaded by Ashlyn Werner, a speech and language pathologist.

The communication board features a grid of pictures depicting playground activities such as slides and swings, emotions ranging from happiness to sadness, and physical needs including thirst and illness. Images are labeled in both English and Spanish.

The board is also color coded for those with visual impairments and contains a QR code that can be scanned via cellphone so people can learn how to use the board.

The tool is designed to serve not only Sunnyside's approximately 300 students but also families and children from throughout Red Wing who use the school playground.

Werner plans to provide comprehensive teacher training on how to use the communication board and will work to spread awareness throughout the Red Wing community about its positive impact.