Looking for Nonverbal Communication Boards? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know Before Buying One
Looking for Nonverbal Communication Boards? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know Before Buying One
Choosing the right communication tool for a child, student, or client can feel overwhelming. With so many options available: ranging from digital tablets to paper printouts and tactile physical boards: how do you know what will actually work day-to-day?
If you are currently exploring nonverbal communication boards for home, school, or therapy, you want something that bridges the gap between frustration and smooth self-expression. At Little Wins Workshop, we believe that every child deserves a voice that is reliable, engaging, and built to withstand the realities of daily life.
To help you make an informed investment, we’ve put together 10 essential things you should know before purchasing a nonverbal communication board.
1. Match the Board to the User and Their Daily Environment
Before diving into features or color schemes, take a close look at who will use the board and where it will live. A toddler navigating a bustling preschool classroom has very different needs than an older student in speech therapy or a child communicating at home.
Consider their current motor skills, vision, and communication goals. Can they point easily with a finger, or do they need larger touch targets? Is the board going to be used primarily at a desk, or does it need to travel between multiple classrooms and home? Defining these parameters early narrows down your choices immediately.
2. Low-Tech vs. High-Tech: Why Simplicity Often Wins First
While electronic tablets and high-tech speech-generating devices are fantastic for many learners, low-tech physical boards remain a cornerstone of effective communication support.
Low-tech boards require no charging, no software updates, and no Wi-Fi. They are instantly accessible, highly durable, and allow children to point and express their needs without technical glitches. For beginners and young learners, starting with a tactile, low-tech board builds foundational communication habits without sensory overload.
3. Prioritize Sensory-Friendly Materials
For children with sensory sensitivities, the physical texture and feel of a learning tool matter deeply. Traditional laminated paper can curl, tear, or feel flimsy, while cheap plastics can have rough edges or distracting glare.
When buying a physical communication board, look for smooth, tactile-friendly materials engineered specifically for sensory needs. High-quality 3D-printed tools crafted from durable PLA plastic offer a wonderfully smooth finish with rounded edges, providing a comforting, safe tactile experience every time the child reaches out to communicate.
4. Balance "Core" and "Fringe" Vocabulary
A great communication board isn't just a random assortment of pictures; it is thoughtfully structured around vocabulary categories. You want a healthy mix of:
- Core Words: High-frequency words like want, more, stop, go, help, and finish that can be used across dozens of different situations.
- Fringe Words: Specific nouns and interests like snacks, swing, puzzle, or water that reflect the child's daily preferences and hobbies.
Ensuring your board features both core and fringe vocabulary empowers learners to move beyond single-word requests into meaningful, flexible phrases.
5. Look for Logical Layouts and Predictable Organization
Visual clutter can quickly frustrate a developing learner. When scanning dozens of icons, a messy or poorly organized layout makes finding the right word exhausting.
Look for boards that group items logically: such as basic needs, emotions, daily activities, and favorite toys: into clean, predictable sections. Consistent positioning helps build muscle memory and cognitive recognition, allowing the child to locate icons faster and with less assistance.
6. Check for Portability and Mounting Options
Communication shouldn't stop just because you left the living room. Your board needs to fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
Check whether the board includes mounting features, lanyards, or compact sizing that can easily slip into a backpack, attach to a wheelchair tray, or rest comfortably on a desk. Lightweight, portable designs ensure that a child's voice is always within arm's reach, whether they are in the classroom, at the park, or visiting family.
7. Insist on Full Customization
Every child is unique, and a "one-size-fits-all" communication board rarely fits anyone perfectly. Standard commercial charts often include icons that don't match a child's actual routine or favorite items.
Look for creators and makers who offer full customization: allowing you to choose specific colors, tailor text labels, adjust icon sizing, and select vocabulary sets that reflect the exact needs of your home or classroom. Tailored tools dramatically increase engagement because the board speaks directly to the child's world.
8. Evaluate Durability for Everyday Realities
Kids drop things. Spills happen. Therapy rooms and special education classrooms are energetic, high-use environments.
If you invest in a communication board, inspect its build quality. Avoid flimsy cardboard or weak plastic bindings that snap after a week of use. Instead, choose sturdy, wipeable, water-resistant constructions built to last through active daily handling, cleaning, and the occasional tumble.
9. Consider Teacher and Caregiver Usability
A communication board must be easy not only for the child, but also for the adults supporting them. If teachers, parents, and therapists find a layout confusing or difficult to navigate, consistency breaks down.
The best tools feature clear iconography, intuitive labeling, and simple layouts that allow communication partners to easily model language alongside the child. When everyone is on the same page, language development accelerates naturally.
10. Consult Your Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Explore Options
Before making your final purchase, consult your child's speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, or special education teacher. They can offer invaluable insights into the specific symbol sets, grid sizes, and developmental stages that best match the learner's profile.
You can also explore our curated collection of handmade, customizable tools in the Little Wins Workshop Shop, where every visual support and communication board is thoughtfully designed to celebrate every child's progress.
Find the Right Fit for Your Journey
Investing in nonverbal communication boards is a powerful step toward independence, connection, and self-advocacy. By prioritizing sensory-friendly materials, thoughtful vocabulary, and sturdy craftsmanship, you give children a reliable tool to express their brilliant inner world.
Ready to create a custom solution tailored to your classroom or home? Explore our durable, handmade collection today at Little Wins Workshop!