How KBR Park is leading a quiet revolution in inclusive urban design, one icon at a time.
In the heart of Hyderabad’s bustling Banjara Hills lies KBR Park, a sanctuary for morning walkers and nature lovers. But as of World Autism Day (April 2nd), this green lung has become something even more significant: a beacon of hope for India’s neurodivergent community.
With the snip of a ribbon and the support of a champion, Hyderabad officially launched India’s first-of-its-kind public communication board designed specifically for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
A Champion’s Support for a New Kind of Play
The inauguration was a high-profile affair, graced by Olympic Medalist Saina Nehwal, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, and GHMC Commissioner Mr. R.V. Karnan. But beyond the ceremony, the message was deeply personal.
Speaking at the launch, Saina Nehwal shared a vision that resonated with every parent in attendance:
“Every child has an energy to do better and make a place for themselves in the world. This initiative will make it a little easier for those with Autism to communicate and find their spaces in society.”
What is a Communication Board?
For many children on the autism spectrum, verbal communication can be a challenge, especially in high-stimulation environments like a public park. The new board at KBR Park bridges this gap.
By using carefully selected visual icons from Avaz.com—a world-class Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) platform—the board allows children to point to pictures to express their needs. Whether they want to say “I want to swing,” “I am happy,” or “I need a break,” they now have a medium to be heard.
A Collaborative Victory
This wasn’t the work of a single entity. It was a massive collaborative effort between:
- Government: GHMC and officials like Mr. Jayesh Ranjan.
- Technology: Avaz.com.
- Grassroots Impact: NGOs including Marham Resonating Resilience, CDC Talk and Learn, and Koru Kidz.
- The Visionaries: Dr. Pratima Giri, Dr. Nabat Lakhani (Marham), and Ms. Prerna, whose dedication brought this tool from a concept to the park floor.
Beyond the Park: A Vision for the Future
Perhaps the most exciting takeaway from the event was the promise of “more.” Mr. Jayesh Ranjan made it clear that KBR Park is just the starting line.
“We will not let this initiative be a one-time thing,” he stated. “We will make sure it reaches more parks, malls, and many other public spaces.”
Why This Matters for Hyderabad
By placing this tool in a community setting, the initiative takes a giant leap toward normalizing inclusion. It moves the conversation out of clinics and schools and into the “real world.”
It teaches every visitor at KBR Park—child and adult alike—that there are many ways to communicate. It fosters a society that doesn’t just “tolerate” diversity but builds infrastructure to celebrate it.
Hyderabad has set a precedent for the rest of India. We are proving that our city’s progress isn’t just measured by IT towers and flyovers, but by ensuring that every child has a voice, everywhere they go.
