SOCIAL Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara wants to see communication boards in public buildings to assist people with additional communication needs.
The motion came on the back of a meeting with Kaer Communications, a city-based social enterprise promoting inclusion by ensuring communication tools are accessible in communities.
“Their communication board designs have been installed in numerous locations across the city including in Dochas Mid West Autism Supports and in the Parkway Shopping Centre,” he said.
His motion requested that communication boards be installed in Council-run buildings to support people with additional needs, people experiencing mental ill health, and those “for whom English may not be their first language, and those experiencing dementia or other illnesses”.
He also asked that boards be erected in Merchant’s Quay, as well as city libraries, galleries, and museums.
“The right to communication is a fundamental human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” he said.
The Council said such boards are primarily communication supports with particular benefit to children and adults who are either pre-verbal or non-verbal or have communication difficulties.
“Limerick libraries are committed to developing inclusive services, including autism and neurodiverse friendly services throughout our network. In addition to the award-winning sensory suite at Watch House Cross Library, we have produced sensory pods and sensory spaces throughout our branch network,” the Council stated.
The Social Democrat councillor was informed that the local authority has not received any requests for communication boards from those using the library service.