Heartland Community Foundation
Hays High School senior Oaklye Wichers has completed a community-focused project aimed at increasing accessibility and inclusion with the installation of a communication board at ARC Park in Hays. Oaklye is also a member of the Heartland Community Foundation Youth Action Council.
The board features a variety of picture-based symbols and words such as play, go, stop, help, bathroom, happy, sad, food, and friend, allowing individuals with limited or nonverbal communication skills to express their needs, emotions, and choices while at the park. The board serves as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tool, supporting children and adults with speech or language challenges, including those with autism, developmental disabilities, or speech delays.
The project was completed as part of Oaklye’s involvement in FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), where students are encouraged to identify real-world needs and create meaningful solutions. Beyond the FCCLA requirement, the project reflects Oaklye’s personal interest in the field of speech-language pathology and the use of AAC devices to promote independence and inclusion.
“I wanted to create something that would help people feel understood and included in everyday spaces,” Wichers said. “Everyone deserves a way to communicate, especially in a place meant for fun and community.”
Funding for the communication board was made possible through a grant from the Heartland Community Foundation and Midwest Energy. Oaklye expressed appreciation for both organizations for their support and commitment to improving accessibility within the Hays community
The communication board is now a permanent feature at ARC Park and stands as a reminder of the impact student-led projects can have. Oaklye hopes the board will not only benefit park visitors but also raise awareness about AAC tools and inclusive communication.