Every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves, make choices and feel understood. At Shelby Hills Preschool, a new communication board on the playground is helping make that possible, thanks to a local family whose personal journey inspired a way to give back.
Jennifer Caverlee, a paraprofessional at Shelby Hills Preschool, first recognized the idea’s potential last year while visiting a neighboring county park with her son, Beau. When Jennifer noticed a communication board on the playground, Beau noticed it, too, and used it to make a few requests.
Jennifer took a picture of the board and shared it with Katie Brandewie, Shelby Hills Preschool Coordinator and Wilma Valentine Childcare Director. They agreed that having one at Shelby Hills could give children another way to communicate during outdoor play.
Jennifer and her husband began researching options and costs, eventually deciding to donate half the cost of the board. After months of searching, Jennifer discovered The Power of Speech through an Instagram reel. She immediately recognized that the board’s icons were nearly identical to those used in Beau’s augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) program. Knowing they had found the right fit, Jennifer and her husband moved forward with the entire purchase.
The communication board was added to the Shelby Hills Preschool playground, which is used by children at both Shelby Hills Preschool and the Wilma Valentine Childcare Center. The board provides another opportunity for children to express themselves, make choices and connect with others.
A Family’s Journey
Beau was diagnosed with autism at age three. He received services through Early Intervention with Shelby County before transitioning to Shelby Hills Preschool. Because Beau is minimally verbal and has a speech delay, finding ways to support his communication has been an important part of his journey.
“The Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities has been an incredible blessing to our family,” Jennifer shared. “The teachers, therapists and staff who have been part of Beau’s life have gone above and beyond anything we could have hoped for our son.”
During Beau’s second year of preschool, encouragement from the Shelby Hills staff helped his family obtain an AAC device. The device has become an invaluable tool, especially when Beau is frustrated, not feeling well or simply doesn’t feel like speaking.
Today, Beau is thriving in kindergarten in the Special Education Unit at Fairlawn. His family is grateful to everyone who has supported him and helped him grow. Purchasing the communication board was their way of saying thank you and extending that support to other children and families.
Beau is a happy, silly kid who loves making jokes and making people laugh. He enjoys playing baseball in the Little Sluggers Baseball League, camping with his family, riding his scooter and spending time with his two older sisters, Ellie and Abbey. He is also an animal lover, especially when it comes to his 20 chickens!
Every Voice Matters
Communication boards use pictures and symbols to help people express their needs, make choices and connect with others. They provide an additional way to communicate for individuals who have difficulty communicating verbally.
The Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities is grateful to Jennifer and her family for turning their experience into an opportunity to help others and promote inclusion, reflecting the belief that every person deserves to be heard.
Read the article in the Sidney Daily News Here