A communication board has been installed in front of Health Centre – East. The board is designed to support children and individuals who are unable to communicate verbally or who find speaking difficult, as well as anyone who may have challenges understanding spoken language.
By pointing to the graphic symbols on the board, children can express what hurts, how they are feeling, any health concerns they may have, what they would like to do while waiting for their appointment, or where they would like to go afterwards. The board also helps parents prepare their child for what to expect during the visit, reducing anxiety and fear of new and often unpredictable situations.
The communication board is the result of activities carried out within the project Interdisciplinary Support Model for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which the City of Zagreb has been implementing for several years in cooperation with the University of Zagreb Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences. The installation of another communication board in a public space in the City of Zagreb is an important step toward creating a more inclusive community and supporting everyone’s right to communicate.