Communication Boards
Smartbox Communication Boards printed on high quality materials can be easily installed, for inclusive and accessible communication everywhere.
Available exclusively in the UK and Ireland, our 10 board designs suit various settings and are based on the Super Core grid sets. Choose between 2 materials and 2 sizes, and easily personalise by customising up to 8 cells for your school or public space.
Inclusion in your community
Access to symbol communication benefits many people, not just individuals with speech difficulties, but everyone who needs support for language, wherever the setting.
With our 10 board designs, we are on a mission to ensure AAC is everywhere you need it, from school and play settings, to health and care facilities.
There are 10 options, including boards for libraries, offices, school playgrounds, public playgrounds, sensory rooms, school offices, corridors, dining halls, swimming pools, or hospital settings.
Dibond boards can be screwed or nailed into place, and PVC Banners with eyelet loops can be secured using cable ties. Both for indoor or outdoor use.
Choose between standard (1189 x 420mm) or large (1682 x 594mm) in any design in Dibond or PVC material.
Customise up to 8 cells
Personalise any board to suit your location. Add nouns, equipment, or key places, and our design team will create a mock-up for you to review before printing.
A small customisation fee applies, and we’ll guide you through the process.
Get started with communication boards
Take a closer look at the Smartbox Communication Boards in these videos and learn more about how to use them.
Introduction
How to model
Behind the design
Accessible and inclusive communication
We offer communication boards for:
Libraries, School playgrounds, Public playgrounds, Sensory rooms, Swimming pools, Offices, Dining halls, Corridors, and Medical settings.
Available in Dibond or PVC Banner material, and in 2 sizes.
Our boards are based on Super Core grid sets, a symbol-based core vocabulary designed for people of any age. Available in Grid AAC software.
Accessible and inclusive communication
Oasis Academy supports children with a wide range of communication needs. With a strong commitment to total communication and inclusive practice, the school has embedded AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) into all aspects of learning — from classrooms to the sensory room and playground.
In this case study, we explore how the team has integrated our Communication Boards, and the impact this has had on student interaction, communication development, and confidence.
How it works
Request a price list or quote
Our team will provide you with detailed information about the costs and options, ensuring that you have all the details you need to make an informed decision.
Place your order
Let us know how many boards you need, along with your preferences for material, size, design and customisations.
Finalise your order
Review and make any final adjustments before the board goes to print. On average, you should receive your board within 2 weeks, with tracking information available at each stage.
Find everything you need to get started with your Smartbox Communication Board on the Smartbox Hub. Explore support articles and tutorial videos, including how to model with a Communication Board.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dibond material?
Dibond consists of two thin sheets of aluminium enclosing a polyethylene core. Suitable for a vast range of applications, they are lightweight but strong and the extremely flat surface is great for printing high quality. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
What is PVC material?
Our 700gsm heavyweight blockout PVC banner material is produced with a light stop blockout liner to prevent show-through and block light. PVC blockout banners with eyelets are durable and weather-resistant ideal for indoor and outdoor use, and are easy to hang for secure installation.
Can adults use symbol-based communication boards?
Yes, they are used by both children and adults who need support with communication due to disabilities or medical conditions.
Are Communication Boards only for people who can’t speak at all?
No, communication boards support individuals who may have speech but struggle with verbal expression in certain situations.
Can symbol boards be used alongside other AAC tools?
Absolutely! Many users combine them with high-tech AAC devices, sign language, or speech therapy for a comprehensive communication system.
What do I need to consider before getting a Communication Board?
- Location – ensuring you choose somewhere that is going to be useful, easy to access, and that you have permission to install the board, for example in a community park you may need permission from the local council or public services.
- Installation – ensuring the board can be installed at a suitable height, on a hard, flat surface, and somewhere that it will not need to be removed regularly.
- Word list – ensuring the words on the design are suitable for your needs and considering customisation of the 8 cells/words that can be tailored to your specific location.
How do I install Communication Boards?
Self-installation is simple, ensure you choose a hard flat surface. Dibond Aluminum boards can be screwed or nailed into place, the PVC Blockout Banners have eyelets for attaching to railings or using hooks, screws, or nails.