Heights Elementary School Celebrates Installation of Play Communication Board

On Friday, May 1, 2026, Roslyn Heights Elementary School celebrated the installation of its new Play Communication Board, an initiative designed to promote inclusive play and communication for all students. The board provides visual symbols that allow children of all abilities to express themselves, fostering meaningful interaction and inclusive play on the playground.

The project was spearheaded by Roslyn High School student Simran Bakshi, who developed the idea as part of her eighth-grade Civic Leadership and Debate class—taught by middle school teacher Pete Lizza. Tasked with identifying and addressing a community need, Simran focused her efforts on creating more inclusive recreational spaces for children with disabilities.

Beginning in June 2025, Simran launched a fundraising effort to support the installation of an adaptive swing. With support from her mother and Amanda Caliendo of Collaboration Station—a special needs agency in Wantagh—she was connected to Sonny Spagnuolo of Rocco’s Voice for Autism, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with autism and their families. 

Through Simran’s efforts, approximately $1,400 was raised to install an adaptive swing at a Town of North Hempstead park. Two communication boards—generously donated by Rocco’s Voice for Autism—were installed in Albertson and at Heights School.

The ceremony, hosted by Heights Principal Mary Wood, was attended by Board of Education President Meryl Waxman Ben-Levy, Superintendent Allison Brown, PPS Director Cindy Samide, Assistant PPS Director Rachel Barshak, Simran Bakshi and her mother Pooja, as well as representatives from Collaboration Station, including Amanda Caliendo; Rocco’s Voice for Autism, including Sonny Spagnuolo; and Nassau County Legislator Samantha A. Goetz.

“We are so grateful to have the communication board installed at the entrance of our playground,” said Heights Principal Mary Wood. “It has become a meaningful communication tool that helps students engage with others, and gives all children—regardless of ability—a meaningful way to express themselves and connect with their peers.”

"It is incredibly rewarding to see this project come to life and to know it will make a lasting difference for children in the community, both with and without disabilities,” said Simran. “I am so thankful for the support from the Roslyn administration, the community, local legislators, Rocco’s Voice, as well as my friends and family. I am excited to continue this work and make an even greater impact!"

Simran continues to expand her efforts by researching additional ways to enhance accessibility in public spaces, with a focus on making environments not only accessible, but truly usable for children with disabilities.