BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Bismarck Public Schools is rolling out “communication stations” — big, durable boards that have symbols and words — so kids can talk on the playground, even if they don’t use spoken language. The first station is already up at BECEP Preschool, and the district wants one at every elementary school, with a goal of six schools this year and all schools within four years.

Anjanette Schlafmann, an assistive technology specialist with Bismarck Public Schools who supports the BHS feeder area, has pushed for this for years.

“It’s been a dream of mine,” she said, noting she’s been in her role 13 years and specializes in communication.

These boards support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) — the pictures and symbols students can point to when they can’t or do

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