Wyncote Speech Language Pathologists Win PSEA Grant

Congratulations to Wyncote Elementary Speech-Language Pathologists Brendan Storino and Lauren Hess, who recently won one of four Pennsylvania State Education Association Innovative Teaching grants. The pair will receive a $1,500 grant for a playground communication board, which provides students with limited language skills the opportunity to engage with their age-typical peers. A playground communication board contains symbols paired with words with which students with verbal communication difficulties can communicate. 

“We are so grateful for PSEA's generous grant and how this will particularly help our non-speaking students communicate with others on the playground,” Hess said.

Wyncote has several students who are not able to communicate traditionally through verbal means. Because of this, these students often use a speech-generating device that creates a voice for them. There are times, however, when a speech-generating device is not always practical, such as when a student is on the playground. In these instances, the students still need the ability to communicate, and without the use of a communication device, these students can no longer do so, and, as a result, may become frustrated and display negative behaviors. The communication board will support individuals in initiating conversations with peers, navigating social situations, and expressing themselves, and encourages inclusivity.

“This is an innovative solution that ensures all children have a voice on the playground, not only to make their wants known, but also to foster and maintain meaningful relationships with others,” Storino and Hess wrote in the grant proposal.

The playground communication board will be designed in collaboration with Resources at Lakeshore Speech. A variety of symbols, including those representing emotions, actions, and daily routines, will be incorporated on the board to foster a broad range of communication. The board is expected to be installed for this fall.