PCS Communication Signs and Panels

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a tool, strategy, support, or form of communication that a person may use in addition to or in place of speech. It can be instrumental in enabling individuals who have difficulty producing or understanding spoken or written language to express their needs, ideas, and thoughts. AAC has been found to increase speech production and participation in daily activities for people with speech and language disabilities.

Expand the Language of Play

Everyone has the fundamental right to communicate and have a voice. Symbol-based visual supports help individuals with communication and intellectual disabilities understand the world, communicate their needs, ask for attention, express their feelings and thoughts, and make real choices. We partnered with Tobbi Dynavox, a global leader in alternative augmentative communication (ACC) and assistive technology.

We included their Boardmaker® communication symbols on our Communication Panels to increase communication between people of all abilities on the playground! People using the boards may point to, gaze at, or respond to the Boardmaker Picture Communication Symbols® when communicating with their friends, caregivers, and family during outdoor play. These symbols may be used with or without speech, making communication possible for everyone.

“ Research shows using augmentative and alternative communication methods improve speech development. 89% of people who use AAC improved their speech skills.”

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

“ More than two million children and adults in the United States alone utilize AAC devices like Boardmaker signs and cards to enhance their language skills and communication with others.”

USSAAC

“ The Communication Bill of Rights states that all people with a disability of any extent or severity have a basic right to affect, through communication, the conditions of their existence.”

THE AMERICAN SPEECH-LANGUAGEHEARING ASSOCIATION (ASHA)

Picture Communication Symbols are color coded by grammatical categories or parts of speech to help organize the board and increase usability!

Red: Important Functions or Emergency Words Yes, No, Help, Good, Bad, More

Yellow: Pronouns I, You, It

Purple: Prepositions Up, Down, On, Off

Green: Verb

Want, Go, Like, Stop, Do, Climb, Turn, Slide, Swing, Play, Eat, Drink

Blue: Nouns Music, Game, Restroom, Friends, Home

Orange: Feelings Happy, Sad, Tired, Sick, Angry, Cold, Hot

Usability and Durability

Boardmaker Picture Communication Symbols® (PCS) have been used worldwide by millions of people for over three decades. The Classic Boardmaker style features easy-to-recognize images and symbols, basic color palates, and thick black lines without shading for visibility. GameTime partnered with assistive technology professionals to select the PCS used on our Communication Panels.

We selected these symbols based on their flexibility, usability, and usage across languages. The Communication Boards are organized using a consistent color-coding system to visually identify parts of speech and ensure that the words are easy to locate. We intentionally paired the visuals with the written word to support literacy development and receptive language skills.

GameTime’s Communication Board and Panels are made from durable high-pressure laminate (HPL) that is weather-resistant and easy to clean. Our panels, signs, and hardware are built to last and backed by the industry’s leading warranty for years of inclusive communication.

Let’s Play!

Communities seek ways to create a welcoming atmosphere where people of all abilities can play and engage with one another. GameTime’s Communication Panels provide a simple way to make inclusive communication possible and create awareness about how people communicate in different ways.

#6375 $2,619

#91805

#91806

Increase Communication Throughout the Play Area

Communication Boards can be installed above the deck on a play structure, below the deck of a play structure for ground level access, and/ or as a freestanding sign in close proximity to the playground or site amenities. Create accessible, inclusive communication on, under, and around the playground using one or more of GameTime’s options.

PCS Freestanding Communication Sign (#6375)

• Offers a comfortable approach and reach, whether seated in a mobility device or standing. Installation should be along an accessible route with a firm and stable surface.

• Includes a one-sided Communication Board and a full alphabet that can be used to spell out words and phrases.

• Large freestanding sign is ideal for a playground or park entrance.

PCS Communication Panel (Above #91805, Below #91806)

• Includes a double-sided Communication Panel with Classic Boardmaker images on one side and Boardmaker American Sign Language (ASL) images on the other.

• Available in above and below the deck options to be installed with GameTime’s PowerScape play system.