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SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Library announced a new initiative to make library spaces and services more inclusive for all patrons. In collaboration with local speech and language therapists from Tate Communicare, the Central Library has created augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) boards, tools designed to support communication for individuals who are non-speaking, have speech difficulties, or speak a language other than English.
AAC boards display symbols for commonly used words, offering a vital resource for enhancing engagement, independence, and inclusion within public spaces. This effort is part of the library’s ongoing commitment to creating welcoming environments for patrons of all abilities.
“We believe everyone deserves equal access to learning, connection, and community,” said Tracy Snow, reference librarian at Springfield City Library. “These AAC boards are more than tools — they’re invitations for every voice to be heard and every individual to be seen. By adding them to our space, we’re opening new pathways for communication and inclusion.”
Library staff recently participated in a training webinar led by Tate Communicare to better understand how to use AAC boards with visitors. Plans are underway to expand these accessibility resources to the rest of the Springfield City Library branches and to offer AAC boards in additional languages.