New Suffolk park signs lends expression to people who are nonverbal

Officials unveiled a new signboard Wednesday at Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown, the first of many to be installed in Suffolk, giving nonverbal individuals the ability to communicate and use the parks.

The board, which includes letters, numbers, emoji and other internationally recognized communications icons, allows people who are nonverbal to convey their thoughts to park staff, family, friends and other park users. It also helps them express their desire to use certain facilities — whether it's a nature trail, playground equipment, wildlife, even restroom facilities — or communicate an emergency or concern.

"It's a blessing," said Legis. Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), whose district includes Blydenburgh Park, adding: "I hope it's the first one in many county parks so that everyone has a right to experience what the rest of us have."

The photos of equipment and facilities are park-specific. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said such signs will be erected at Lakeland, Indian Island, Cathedral Pines, Smith Point and other county parks. The boards are designed and built in-house, at minimal cost, officials said.

Officials said it is fitting the unveiling comes in April, which is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.

"This is a time to recognize and celebrate the county being filled with people of differing abilities, differing talents," Bellone said. "We're not just talking about inclusivity. … We're also taking action to make that happen."

Suffolk Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon) said the importance of the new signboards is immeasurable, calling it "a step so we can get everyone to feel inclusive, to be able to be a part, to play, to socialize, and not feel like they are different from someone else."

Deb Thivierge, CEO of the ELIJA Foundation, the Suffolk-based not-for-profit serving parents, educators, professionals and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, said being a parent of child with autism can be "extremely isolating" and that the new signboards made her feel, as a parent of a child with autism, welcomed by a greater community.

She called it "a symbol that shows we are accepting of everyone."

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”