Core boards support Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) through visual cues which help to develop language skills like sentence building.

Altogether Autism says, “essentially, a core board is a colourful board with symbols that are fixed in place.”

These boards provide essential words and phrases that are frequently used in communication, enabling individuals to express themselves effectively, make choices, and engage in conversations.

The initiative was originally proposed by the Waimakariri Access Group, at the request of the Lighthouse Programme at Rangiroa High School, as part of their Long Term Plan submission and was supported by Council.

The cord board in Victoria Park will be installed in the playground area this spring taking into consideration the special amenity of the park and desire not to have a proliferation of signage.

Core board locations have also been identified and will be proposed to the Woodend Sefton and Kaiapoi Tuahiwi Community Boards. A location in Oxford Ohoka has yet to be identified and will be discussed with that Board in its new term.

Funding for the core boards is included as part of the Greenspace Reserves Activation budget and has no impact on rates.