All Crown Point Community School Corporation (CPCSC) elementary playgrounds are being equipped with communication boards, thanks to a meaningful partnership with Emberly’s Smiles, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children with special needs. 

The project holds special significance for the Crown Point community, particularly at Lake Street Elementary, where one of the communication boards has been installed in memory of Emberly Brazil, a former student who passed away in 2020 at the age of seven. Emberly had Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that impacts a child’s ability to speak, walk, and use their hands. Emberly communicated through eye gaze and the use of a Tobi eyegaze machine. Her joy for parks inspired the mission of Emberly’s Smiles to ensure accessible and inclusive play areas for all children.

“Communication boards on playgrounds allow students an opportunity to engage with their peers on a deeper level,” said Kara Stimac, a speech-language pathologist at MacArthur Elementary. “Alternative communicators, pre-talkers, and students learning the English language can utilize these boards to indicate their needs, show their favorite piece of equipment, or invite a peer to play with them. Thank you to Emberly’s Smiles and CPCSC for continuing to support all learners during one of the most favorite times of the day: recess!”

Rachel Brazil, Emberly’s mother and founder of Emberly’s Smiles, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the initiative. “I am so grateful that Crown Point is including communication boards at their schools. It is especially meaningful that a board will be in place at Lake Street, the school Emberly attended. The school family there filled Emberly's days with such happiness, and I love that she will continue to have a presence there. So many people worked so hard to include and communicate with Emberly, and I hope this communication board helps other children feel just as included.”

Rett Syndrome affects one in every 10,000 female births and is even more uncommon in males. It is usually first recognized in children between 6 to 18 months of age. Children with Rett Syndrome often face significant communication barriers, making alternative tools like communication boards crucial for fostering inclusion and self-expression.

Emberly’s Smiles continues its mission to spread the joy of play and inclusion through improved accessibility at parks and schools. For more information, visit www.emberlyssmiles.org.