News & Events
Letters: Inclusive communication builds inclusive communities
February 8, 2026 | Delta Optimist
When we give children the tools to be heard, we give them dignity, confidence, and belonging
I am currently working with the Delta School District and Delta Parks, Recreation & Culture to bring these communication boards into schools, playgrounds, and community spaces throughout Delta. When placed in the places where children naturally gather, these tools create safer, kinder, and more inclusive environments for everyone.
Across our community, we proudly display playground rules, maps, and safety signage. Communication should be just as visible. No child should feel excluded simply because they communicate differently.
Inclusive communication builds inclusive communities. When we give children the tools to be heard, we give them dignity, confidence, and belonging.
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Langley City Council Approves Accessible Communication Boards for Parks
November 4, 2025 | Langley Union
Langley City is taking a significant step toward accessibility with plans to install Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) boards at local parks.
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Developed by Accessibility Advisory Committee member Andrea Castro, these innovative boards will allow people with limited or no verbal communication abilities to express themselves using pictures.
Originally designed for individuals with autism, PECS boards can benefit anyone who faces communication challenges.
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Council has approved applying for a grant to install the first board at either Douglas Park or City Park.
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The initiative represents a thoughtful approach to making public spaces more inclusive for all residents, ensuring that everyone can participate in community activities regardless of their communication abilities.
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PECS in Parks
November 3, 2025 | The South Fraser Blog
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a method that enables people with limited or no ability to communicate to use pictures to express their thoughts and feelings. This system was originally developed to assist individuals with autism, although it can be used by anyone.
One of the members of Langley City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, Andrea Castro, has developed a PECS board that can be installed at playgrounds and other public spaces.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee asked Council to approve the City to apply for a grant to install one of these PECS boards at Douglas Park or City Park. Council approved this request.
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Yorkson Community Park
Township of Langley Council has approved $20.5 million for major upgrades and additions to Yorkson Community Park North.
The funding will provide for the construction of a spray park, playground, picnic area, parking lot, washroom facilities, associated landscape and pedestrian areas, a synthetic turf field and warm-up area, and a 75-stall parking lot with drop-off lane and related works at 84th Avenue, all forming part of Yorkson Community Park North.
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Check out Yorkson Community Park here and click here for a review of the new park!
Success Stories: A Little Girl Inspiring Big Change
When I first took my daughter Ariyana to local parks, I hoped she would join the other children, laughing, playing, and forming the friendships every child deserves. Yet, as a little girl with autism and Down syndrome, Ariyana didn't share the same communication methods as her peers, and the disconnect was unmistakable.
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It wasn't unwillingness on the other kids' part. They simply didn't know how to understand & communicate with each other.
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Then, the first time Ariyana used a visual communication board in a public space, something extraordinary happened. With pictures, symbols, sign language, and gestures available at her fingertips, she could suddenly show what she wanted, express how she felt, and invite others to interact.​
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Inspired by Ariyana's success, I began advocating for communication access in public spaces. What started as a personal search for belonging expanded into a wider effort to ensure that all children, neurotypical and neurodivergent, could communicate and connect in community chacac
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