The Chaka Khan Foundation Unveils First-of-Its-Kind Neurodivergent Communication Board in College Park
Groundbreaking installation empowers non-speaking children and those with developmental differences to communicate, connect, and fully participate in play.
The Chaka Khan Foundation, in partnership with Dynamic Cares and the College Park City Council, today unveiled a first-of-its-kind neurodivergent communication board at Charles E. Phillips Esquire Park in College Park, Georgia.
The installation marks a major milestone in inclusive community design, helping ensure that every child — regardless of ability — has a voice on the playground.
— Lisa Elzy-Watson, Co-Executive Director, The Chaka Khan Foundation
The communication board features a thoughtfully designed system of visual symbols, words, and pictures that help non-speaking children and those with developmental differences, including autism and other neurodivergent conditions, express their needs, communicate emotions, and interact more meaningfully with peers during play.
“This communication board is more than a tool — it’s a declaration that our parks, playgrounds, and communities belong to every child, in every voice,” said Lisa Elzy-Watson.
The installation reflects the Chaka Khan Foundation’s ongoing commitment to uplifting underserved communities and supporting children navigating developmental, emotional, and communication challenges.
By placing the board in a public park, the partnership between the Foundation, Dynamic Cares, and the College Park City Council ensures the resource is accessible to all families in the community — free of charge and without barriers.
The board at Phillips Park represents a model the Foundation hopes to replicate in communities nationwide, helping spark a broader conversation around inclusion in public recreational spaces and the critical role communication plays in a child’s social and emotional development.
And when they connect, they belong.
The Chaka Khan Foundation continues to expand initiatives rooted in radical inclusion, wellness, and empowerment, creating environments where overlooked communities are seen, supported, and given opportunities to thrive.
Help Bring Inclusive Play to More Communities
Your support helps expand communication access for neurodivergent children and families through playground communication boards and inclusive community initiatives nationwide.