Citizens' idea implemented: boards promote communication and participation in Jena's playgrounds

New communication boards at five playgrounds in Jena will make it easier to communicate with each other in future. The boards were implemented as part of the city of Jena's citizens' budget and will help children and adults in particular who are unable to speak or can only speak to a limited extent or for whom German is not their first language.

With the help of 66 easy-to-understand symbols, wishes, needs or feelings can be shown - for example, whether someone wants to swing, slide or play in the sand, whether they are thirsty or need help. The boards are deliberately low so that younger children can also use them.

The boards were installed in the playgrounds on Alfred-Diener-Straße, Emil-Wölk-Straße, Kunitzer Straße, Sickingenstraße (Lommerweg) and Marienwäldchen. They were produced by Autismusverlag from Switzerland and installed by Kommunalservice Jena (KSJ).

Idea from the citizens' budget

The idea came from the citizens and was voted fourth out of 25 proposals in the 2024 citizens' budget with 322 votes. Around 5,800 euros were used to implement the five playground boards.

The submitter was also involved in the implementation: Together with the city council, she determined the locations of the boards as well as the selection of symbols.

"With the playground boards, we are creating a low-threshold offer for more understanding in everyday life. Children with very different backgrounds come together on playgrounds in particular. When communication becomes easier, everyone benefits," says Kathleen Lützkendorf, Head of Social Affairs, Health, Immigration and Climate.

An important step towards greater accessibility

Ines Muskalla, the City of Jena's representative for people with disabilities, also welcomes the new equipment in the playgrounds:

"Such communication boards are an important step towards greater accessibility in public spaces. They enable children and adults who cannot speak or can only speak to a limited extent to make their needs visible and take part in shared play."

The person who submitted the proposal, Daniela Egert, is delighted that her idea has been implemented:

"I am delighted that my proposal was so well supported by the citizens of Jena. For me, the communication boards are a further step towards breaking down barriers and a sign of appreciation for the diversity of people and their different forms of communication. I am all the more pleased that the topic is also attracting attention beyond this - for example at the user meeting for AAC on September 4, 2026 in Jena."

Citizens' budget 2026

Anyone who would like to submit an idea for the citizens' budget will soon have another opportunity to do so: the submission phase for the 2026 citizens' budget begins on 1 June 2026 and runs for eight weeks. After the subsequent review by the city administration, the voting phase will follow from 01.10. to 12.11.2026, during which all residents of Jena can vote on their favorites.