Verbal Beginnings Brings Accessible Communication to Anne Arundel County Park
A new communication board now stands at Quiet Waters Park, giving children with autism and communication differences another way to connect with the world around them. The installation is part of an ongoing partnership between Verbal Beginnings, the Autism Society of Maryland, and the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks.
The board is a small addition with a big purpose: helping every child find a way to be heard.
A Long-Standing Local Resource
The Autism Society of Maryland has served families across the region for years, connecting them with tools and support for children with communication differences. Its work with local recreation departments has opened up parks, playgrounds, and community spaces to kids who communicate in different ways.
Verbal Beginnings says it’s proud to stand alongside that effort. “When families know their options, they can make better choices for their kids,” a spokesperson for the organization said. “It really is that simple.”
What Accessible Communication Looks Like
At its core, accessible communication means every child has a way to express themselves, regardless of where they are on their communication journey. For some kids, that means spoken language. For others, it might include:
- A picture-based communication system
- A speech-generating device or app (often called AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
- Sign language or gestures
- A combination of these approaches
There’s no single right way to communicate, according to Verbal Beginnings. The goal is to find what works for each child and build from there.
Closing the Gap Between Therapy and Everyday Life
Parents often raise the same concern: a child’s communication skills may shine in therapy but falter everywhere else.
Verbal Beginnings says that’s exactly the gap it aims to close. The organization focuses on skills that travel with kiddos beyond the clinic — to the park, the grocery store, a grandparent’s house, or the classroom. Anne Arundel County’s community spaces, including Quiet Waters Park, offer everyday opportunities for those skills to grow.
A Team-Based Approach
Verbal Beginnings’ model pairs speech-language pathologists with ABA therapists, reflecting research showing behavior and language are closely connected. Services include:
- AAC evaluations and training for families
- Parent coaching, since caregivers are often a child’s most important communication partner
- Collaboration with schools and other providers
- Support across all communication levels, from early communicators to kids building complex language
Looking Ahead
For families in Anne Arundel County who aren’t sure where to begin, Verbal Beginnings says that’s okay — figuring it out is part of the process.
Families interested in learning more can get started here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is accessible communication?
Accessible communication means every child has a way to express themselves. That could be spoken words, pictures, a speech device, sign language, or a mix of all of these. There is no single right method — it depends on what works best for your child.
What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes tools like speech-generating devices and apps that help children communicate when spoken language is difficult. Verbal Beginnings can help you find the right AAC tool and learn how to use it.
Does communication support only happen in the clinic?
No. We focus on skills that work in real life — at the park, at school, at home, and in the community. The goal is for your child to communicate anywhere, not just in a therapy room.
Who is on the Verbal Beginnings communication team?
Our team includes speech-language pathologists and ABA therapists who work together. Because language and behavior are closely linked, this team approach leads to better results for kids.
What if I don't know where to start?
That’s okay. Families in Anne Arundel County can reach out to us even if they’re unsure what support they need. We’ll walk through it together and help you find the right next step.
Does Verbal Beginnings work with schools and other providers?
Yes. We collaborate with schools and outside providers to make sure everyone is on the same page. A consistent approach across settings helps children make stronger progress.
Get started through our contact form— and let’s find the right path forward for your family.
