Midsummer Place partners with Inclusive Communication to enhance accessibility

The partnership will see the introduction of a specialist communication board within the centre, designed to support people with autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, learning disabilities, dementia, stroke recovery, and anyone who may benefit from visual communication aids.

The boards allow individuals to express their needs, feelings and requests by pointing to symbols and images, helping to make everyday interactions easier and more comfortable.

Inclusive Communication is a specialist speech and language therapy team with more than 50 years of combined experience supporting people with additional communication needs across healthcare, education and community settings. The organisation works with businesses and public spaces to make environments more communication-friendly and accessible.

These new boards sit alongside Midsummer Place’s ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive destination for everyone. Existing accessibility initiatives include weekly Quiet Hours every Monday from 4–6pm, offering a calmer shopping environment for neurodivergent visitors and those who prefer reduced sensory stimulation. The centre also provides 38 disabled parking bays and 24 parent-and-child spaces, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, step-free access throughout, Sensory Bags (which include portable communication boards provided by Inclusive Communication), wheelchair accessibility, and a range of services designed to ensure all visitors can enjoy a comfortable experience.

Simon Martin, Centre Manager at Midsummer Place, said:
"At Midsummer Place, we believe everyone should feel welcome, comfortable and confident when visiting the centre. Our partnership with Inclusive Communication is another important step in ensuring that we provide an environment that works for all members of our community.

"We know that communication challenges can create barriers for some individuals and families, and these new communication boards will help make interactions easier and more accessible. Inclusion is something we are continually working towards, and we're proud to be investing in initiatives that make a genuine difference to people's everyday experiences."

Kelly Portal, Specialist Speech and Language Therapy Assistant at Inclusive Communication, added: "We are delighted to be working with Midsummer Place to help create a more communication-inclusive environment. Small changes can make a huge difference to people who experience communication difficulties, enabling them to access services more independently and with greater confidence.

"By introducing communication boards and raising awareness of inclusive communication, Midsummer Place is demonstrating a real commitment to ensuring all visitors feel supported and valued."

The communication board will be located beside Five Guys and opposite Mobile Bitz within the centre, and has been kindly sponsored by www.itstime2thrive.co.uk.