In an initiative to enhance communication accessibility, Graphic Signs partnered with Warwick District Council to produce innovative symbol-based signage across local parks. These signs were designed to assist children with additional needs, including those who are pre-verbal or have learning disabilities, offering them an opportunity to navigate public spaces with greater independence.
Traditional park signage often fails to meet the needs of individuals with communication challenges. The Council took part in extensive collaboration with community stakeholders, including parents, educators, and other support organisations with specialist knowledge.
In response to this, the development of large, illustrated panels was implemented as part of a campaign to improve the accessibility of these public spaces. The panels were specifically created to empower children with autism, speech impairments, and other communication difficulties.
The main objective of the project was to enhance wayfinding in public areas. The council wanted to create intuitive, symbol-based signage that help children find their way through local parks. Communication accessibility is highlighted through initiatives like this that find simple ways to support neurodiversity.
The signs were also meant to promote inclusivity and ensure that children with diverse communication needs could understand the signage and enjoy the parks with greater independence.
Graphic Signs was tasked with manufacturing the new signage based on designs developed through extensive consultations with local stakeholders. The goal was to create visual, engaging signs that would resonate with children that have additional needs, enabling them to navigate the parks and communicate their needs more effectively.
Based on the collaborative design, Graphic Signs produced durable, large-format, symbol-based signs featuring clear, easily understood images that depicted key information, such as park facilities, directions, and activities.
The first set of communication boards was installed in prominent parks including St Nicolas Park, Abbey Fields, Jephson Gardens, Mill Gardens, Victoria Park, and Newbold Comyn. Each sign was tailored to its specific location with relevant symbols to give them maximum impact.
The symbol-based signage has had a positive impact on the local community, particularly for children with communication difficulties. The new signage has made it significantly easier for children to find their way around parks, with clear, visual cues replacing traditional text-based directions. Children with pre-verbal abilities or additional needs can now refer to the symbols on the boards to communicate their needs more effectively, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence.
Due to the success of the initial signs being produced, Warwick District Council has decided to roll out these communication boards across 49 additional parks in the district, further enhancing public space accessibility.
Nick Evans, Executive Headteacher at Evergreen School said, “It is absolutely wonderful to see the communication boards being installed in the parks and play areas across Warwick District. This initiative shows the Council’s commitment to inclusivity and will make a huge difference to the culture and access of green spaces and play areas across the district. Evergreen School is proud to be part of such an inclusive and forward-thinking community who thinks carefully about how to support people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.”
By manufacturing the symbol-based signage that is both functional and visually engaging, Graphic Signs has played a key role in promoting inclusivity in public spaces. This initiative not only empowers children with additional needs but also sets a precedent for how thoughtful, well-designed signage can improve accessibility in any community.
Are you looking to enhance the accessibility of your public spaces with innovative signage solutions? Contact Graphic Signs today to learn how we can help create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. We look forward to transforming your spaces to be more welcoming and empowering for all.