The brilliant idea of adding Communications Boards to Hobart playgrounds has earned a Lenah Valley Primary School student the role of Children’s Mayor of Hobart!
Grade 6 student Noah introduced the idea of Communication Boards in playgrounds to assist non-speaking community members make public spaces more inclusive.
For Noah who has two non-speaking siblings, the idea was close to his heart. Noah explains the thinking behind his idea and his feelings on the Hobart Children’s Mayor role below:
Where the idea came from
“My idea was to introduce Communication Boards into playgrounds across Hobart for non-speaking community members. A Communication Board is a sign that has different icons that non-speaking community members can point to instead of using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC) device to communicate. For example, there might be an icon saying “I want to go on the slide” or “I feel happy”. I have two younger brothers that are both non-speaking, and these Communication Boards could majorly assist them in communicating with me, my family, their carers and the rest of the community.
I think my idea will have a big impact on all children across Hobart, and the rest of Tasmania. It will help children learn more about non-speaking community members and communicate with them. Many children could communicate with any non-speaking community members and help them or ask questions using the Communication Board. This will increase non-speaking awareness and make Hobart even more inclusive than it already is.
Being awarded Hobart Children’s Mayor
It felt unreal, becoming the Children’s Mayor of Hobart! It was a new experience for me, and it was really fun. It felt like it was a dream until the end of the day, when it really sank in. People are still congratulating me all the time, at school and at home, which is something that hasn’t really happened to me before.
I had so much fun at the ceremony, and it was a great experience for my final year of primary school. Last year I also went to the ceremony with my classmate. It was interesting listening to all the different amazing and unique ideas that each participant had thought of! I also had fun talking to the Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and all the other participants, the media, and other amazing people at Town Hall!
What’s next
I’m excited for the opening of the first Communication Board in the Hobart City area. While I am the Children’s Mayor, I hope to talk to many more people about their stories and hope to attend many more events during the next year. Lola, the previous Children’s Mayor, told everyone at the morning tea about her experience, and it sounds like a busy job! Overall, I am very excited to start going to events, meetings and getting new opportunities.
I would like to congratulate every single person who participated in the Children’s Mayor program. I loved everyone’s ideas, and I hope to hear many more in the future! I highly recommend all children to participate in this program.”
(Image courtesy of Hobart City Council)