# data[].attributes.body
1) What does it mean to be disabled?

2) Are disabilities the same for everyone?

3) Is the word "disability" negative?

4) Is there a "best" way to learn about disabilities?

5) How do different disabilities affect people?

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The Perfect Project: A Book About Autism (Tracy Packiam Alloway & Ana Sanfelippo)

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The Perfect Project: A Book About Autism (Tracy Packiam Alloway & Ana Sanfelippo)

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This realistic fiction text shows the a vignette into the life of Charlie, a boy with autism. Charlie is eager to help his group succeed with their project about trains, but the group runs into some challenges. Despite this, Charlie is able to contribute to the group and helps them win first prize. This text provides examples of how some children with autism respond to social situations, and how their needs can be accommodated in a positive and inclusive way.

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Read The Perfect Project: A Book about Autism on Epic

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Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

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online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

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Read The Perfect Project: A Book about Autism on Epic

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The Perfect Project: A Book about Autism kids' book from the leading digital reading platform with a collection of 40,000+ books from 250+ of the world's best publishers. Read now on Epic.

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1) Do you know anyone who has a disability?

2) How would you feel if you met someone who has a disability for the first time? Why would you feel that way?

3) What does it mean to be included? What does it mean to be excluded?

4) Is it better to ignore someone's disability or focus on it?

5) How do people with disabilities feel?

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1) What problems do you notice with accessibility in our school? What about the community?

2) Does accessibility look the same for everyone?

3) What can we do as individuals to help people with disabilities?

4) How can we make big changes in the world for people with disabilities?

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1) What does it mean to be accessible?

2) How is our school accessible for people with different disabilities?

3) How is our community accessible for people with different disabilities?

4) Has the world always been accessible?

5) How did accessibility technology and laws come to be?

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What Is It Like to Be Blind? (Deborah Kent)

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What Is It Like to Be Blind? (Deborah Kent)

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In this nonfiction text, author Debroah Kent provides insight as to how many blind people are able to go about their lives successfully. This includes discussion of tools and activities that blind children engage with. Additionally, Kent highlights the lives of five blind children, who all interact with the world in different ways. This showcases how, even when facing the same disability, all people with disabilities are not the same.

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Read What Is It Like to Be Blind? on Epic

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Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Read What Is It Like to Be Blind? on Epic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What Is It Like to Be Blind? kids' book from the leading digital reading platform with a collection of 40,000+ books from 250+ of the world's best publishers. Read now on Epic.

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I Talk Like A River (Jordan Scott & Sydney Smith)

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I Talk Like A River (Jordan Scott & Sydney Smith)

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Jordan Scott portrays his childhood relationship with his stutter in this touching picture book. When Jordan is having a "bad speech day", his father picks him up from school and takes him down to the river. There, Jordan discovers that his speech is like the river itself: crashing and churning at times, but also still and proud. Jordan's initial embarrassment and frustration with his speech shows the mental impact disabilities can have. Sydney Smith's illustrations combined with the page layout convey Jordan's feelings beautifully.

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I Talk Like a River by by Jordan Scott; illustrated by Sydney Smith | Penguin Random House Canada

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Winner of the Schneider Family Book AwardBoston Globe-Horn Book Award Winner What if words got stuck in the back of your mouth whenever you tried to speak?

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The ABCs of Inclusion (Beth Leipholtz & Anastasiya Kanavaliuk)

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The ABCs of Inclusion (Beth Leipholtz & Anastasiya Kanavaliuk)

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The ABCs of Inclusion highlights 26 different children who have disabilities--including author Beth Leipholtz's own son, Cooper. Each letter of the alphabet represents one of the children's names, along with a description of their disability and who they are as a person. While the book does not delve too deeply into each child's story, it lends itself as a springboard for children to ask further questions and conduct their own research.

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The ABCs of Inclusion - A Picture Book About Disabilities

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The ABCs of Inclusion is a picture book about disabilities. Meet 26 real kiddos with diagnoses like autism, hearing loss, epilepsy & Down syndrome.

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This informational text provides insight into Down Syndrome, including how and why it manifests, different types of Down Syndrome, and how people with Down Syndrome live their lives. Across several pages, there are commonly asked questions about Down Syndrome, inviting conversation amongst readers. Each page features photographs of different people with Down Syndrome, engaging in a wide variety of activities.

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Instantly access Down Syndrome plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids.

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My Life With ADHD (Mari Schuh & Isabel Muñoz)

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My Life With ADHD (Mari Schuh & Isabel Muñoz)

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Mari Schuh presents information about ADHD through the narration of a young girl named Annabelle, who recounts her daily challenges and needs. Annabelle details the different ways that her ADHD affects her life, including how she can be distracted, too alert, or become overwhelmed. She also shares how she manages her ADHD, through holistic and medicinal means. While presented in a illustrated format, Annabelle herself is a real girl with ADHD, lending a personal touch to the book for readers to connect with.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Epic reaches 75 million kids in class and after school.

Built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world's best publishers, Epic safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.

Get Started

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
online access fun thousands children great kids ebooks books

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
My Life with ADHD kids' book from the leading digital reading platform with a collection of 40,000+ books from 250+ of the world's best publishers. Read now on Epic.

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The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin (Julia Finley Mosca & Daniel Rieley)

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The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin (Julia Finley Mosca & Daniel Rieley)

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Dr. Temple Grandin's story shows how people with autism (or learning differences) were treated by society, and how she was able to discover her passions and talents despite this discrimination. This text demonstrates that anyone can have an impact on the world, and that people with disabilities should not be discredited.

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NSTA Best STEM Books for K-12 Selection
NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books Selection
Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award Recipient
A Mighty Girl Book of the Year

If you've ever felt different, if you've ever been low, if you don't quite fit in, there's a name you should know... Meet Dr. Temple Grandin-one of the world's quirkiest science heroes!

When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe.

In hardcover, The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin was the first book in the educational Amazing Scientists series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you'll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself!

Product Details

ISBN-13:

9781943147618

Publisher:

The Innovation Press

Publication date:

03/05/2019

Series:

Amazing Scientists , #1

Edition description:

Reprint

Pages:

40

Sales rank:

27,823

Product dimensions:

9.50(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.30(d)

Age Range:

6 - 8 Years

About the Author

Julia Finley Mosca is a copywriter and former journalist who spent more than a decade in Hollywood crafting messages for money. After working with such recognizable brands as Entertainment Tonight, Yahoo!, American Greetings, and JibJab, she landed her most rewarding job yet-mom to one ferociously curious and spunky little girl. The Amazing Scientists series marks Mosca's debut into the magical world of children's books.

Daniel Rieley is a British freelance illustrator based in Lisbon. After studying at The Arts Institute Bournemouth, taking an epic backpacking adventure in Australia, and working three years in London, he decided to take off to sunny Portugal. For the last two years, Rieley has been working on several illustration projects in advertising, print, card design, and children's picture books. When Rieley is not drawing you can probably find him trying to catch waves, taking photos with old cameras, or playing his newly discovered sport Padel.

My three sons appreciate a variety of books, but our family library is definitely skewed towards stereotypical "boy" interests like sports, vehicles, science topics, and slapstick humor. A major shake-up is on the horizon for us, though, with a baby girl due any day. We've pondered a lot of questions about adding a little girl [...]

The first memoir for young readers by sports legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At one time, Lew Alcindor was just another kid from New York City with all the usual problems: He struggled with fitting

"Get ready to have your mind blown with this fun book." - The Washington Post
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball legend and the NBA's all-time leading scorer, champions a

The new novel by NBA All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, starring brothers Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes.
It is 1872, and a series of gruesome murders is the talk of London. Mycroft Holmes--now twenty-six and

The new novel by NBA All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, starring brothers Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes.
It is 1873, and as the economies of Europe threaten to crumble, Mycroft Holmes finds himself in

When Joules and Kevin Rockman's parents drop them off at Camp Whatsitooya on their way to an International Spamathon, the twins expect a summer of marshmallows, campfires, and canoe trips. What

"A young would-be magician gets lessons in both stagecraft and life from a crusty elder" (Kirkus Reviews) in New York Times bestselling author Andrea Beaty's Dorko the Magnificent.

"Pedro Perfecto es un arquitecto en su esencia: cuando no está haciendo casas con comida, su cabeza está en las nubes, soñando con el diseño.

Así que queda

A young girl who loves Double Dutch is caught in the crossfire of the secrets she, her best friend, and the school bullies are keeping in this emotional middle grade novel.
Delia loves Double Dutch

Eleven-year-old Isabella's blended family is more divided than ever in this "timely but genuine" (Publishers Weekly) story about divorce and racial identity from the award-winning

Melody, the huge-hearted heroine of Out of My Mind, is now a year older and a year braver. But not as brave as she wants to be, as she's terrified of horses. Even though she loves

Sharon M. Draper presents "storytelling at its finest" (School Library Journal, starred review) in this New York Times bestselling Depression-era novel about a young girl who must learn

From New York Times bestselling creators Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, Iggy Peck's Big Project Book for Amazing Architects is an empowering workbook featuring art and characters from the

"¡Bestseller del New York Times!

Continúan las aventuras de los Preguntones: Rosa Pionera, Ada Magnífica y Pedro Perfecto. En esta segunda entrega, Ada

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The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin|Paperback

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NSTA Best STEM Books for K-12 SelectionNSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books SelectionDolly Gray Children's Literature Award RecipientA Mighty Girl Book of the Year If you've ever felt different, if you've ever been low, if you don't quite fit in, there's a...

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Thank you, Mr. Falker (Patricia Polacco)

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Thank you, Mr. Falker (Patricia Polacco)

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Thank you, Mr. Falker is a classic story of struggle, frustration, and the overwhelming impact that a single person can have on someone else's life. Patricia Polacco had significant difficulty learning to read as a young girl, which caused her a great deal of internal and external strife. With the support of her teacher, Mr. Falker, Patricia is able to learn both how to read and how to value herself. Many students can relate to Patricia's story, and find inspiration in the fact that she is now a renowned author.

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Thank You, Mr. Falker [Patricia Polacco] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Thank You, Mr. Falker

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A Kids Book About Disabilities (Kristine Napper)

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A Kids Book About Disabilities (Kristine Napper)

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Kristine Napper speaks directly to the reader in this appeal for understanding and inclusivity. Presented without illustrations, the text formatting carries the weight of the message. Napper explains how people often perceive her as being abnormal, and how they speak and act around her in uncomfortable ways. She encourages the reader to be openminded and treat people with disabilities how they would like to be treated.

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Quick Take This book helps kids approach disabilities as normal. For Ages 5+ What’s Inside Sometimes people act like having a disability means you’re from another planet, even though over a BILLION people in the world have disabilities. So how do you talk about disability? How do you talk to people…

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Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You (Sonia Sotomayor & Rafael López)

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Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You (Sonia Sotomayor & Rafael López)

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This text emphasizes the importance of asking questions when it comes to things one does not fully understand. Sonia Sotomayor likens different people to different plants in a garden--some plants and people grow and need different things to flourish. Each disability is told through a narrative style, with each child asking a question to the next about how they live their lives. Readers will be inspired to ask questions and keep an open mind when interacting with people who may be different from them.

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The illustrations created by Rafael López bring diverse characters to children's books and he works to produce and promote books that reflect and honor the lives of all young people.

His 2018 picture book release, The Day You Begin written by Jacqueline Woodson was a New York Times #1 Children's Picture Books Bestseller and the recipient of the 2019 Jane Addams Children's Book Award. Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You, written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor focuses on differently abled kids working together to create a garden. The book is a #1 New York Times Children's Picture Books Bestseller and won the American Library Association's 2020 Schneider Family Book Award.

Rafael López has received three Pura Belpré Award medals from the American Library Association for Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln (2020) Drum Dream Girl (2016) and Book Fiesta! (2010). In addition he secured three Pura Belpré honors. Upcoming illustrated books in 2022 include The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson released in January and The Little Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu due out in September.

His illustrations for Bravo! Poems about Amazing Hispanics were honored with the 2017 Silver Medal from the Society of Illustrators New York Original Art Exhibition. The book Maybe Something Beautiful based on his own work reclaiming neighborhoods with community murals secured the 2017 Tomás Rivera Book Award. Additional children's books have received three Pura Belpré honors and two Américas Book Awards for illustration.

He created a series of 54 portraits for the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino. In 2022 he served as the first guest artist of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum giving workshops to children and families. He was asked by the Library of Congress to create the National Book Festival Poster in 2012, an event featuring best-selling authors, poets and illustrators on the National Mall in Washington D.C. He has created thirteen stamps for the United States Postal Service.

To learn more visit rafaellopez.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_L%C3%B3pez_(illustrator_and_artist)

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Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

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Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You [Sotomayor, Sonia, López, Rafael] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

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Cece Bell's graphic novel El Deafo is witty and wholeheartedly real, capturing Bell's childhood experiences as a deaf person. After a case of meningitis as a young girl, Bell suffered from hearing loss, resulting in her needing bulky assistive technology to communicate. From frustration over her friends and family not understanding her, Bell creates an imaginary superhero persona for herself (El Deafo). Over time, she begins to find her way in the world, making true friends and accepting her disability.

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Cece Bell's #1 New York Times Bestseller graphic novel El Deafo is the origin story of a student with hearing loss and a hearing aid becoming a superhero. A John Newbery Medal Winner Now an Apple+ Animated TV Series! El Deafo is a book that will entertain children, give hearing-impaired children a hero of their own, and challenge others to consider an experience unlike their own. Like other great works for children, it provides the opportunity for young readers to consider how they would act or react in a similar situation, helping to build empathy and understanding through the power of story.El Deafo: Superpowered Edition! Get a special hardcover collector's edition of Cece Bell's beloved graphic novel with 40 bonus pages of childhood photographs, early sketches, notes from Cece, and much more!

Starting at a new school is scary, especially with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece's class was deaf. Here, she's different. She's sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.

Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear, she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in the school-in the hallway . . . in the teacher's lounge . . . in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All.

Also Available:

But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it's just another way of feeling different . . . and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most: a true friend?

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El Deafo [Bell, Cece] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. El Deafo

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Sam's Super Seats (Keah Brown & Sharee Miller)

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Sam's Super Seats (Keah Brown & Sharee Miller)

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Sam's Super Seats opens up the conversation about accessibility in public spaces for people with disabilities. The main character, Sam, has cerebral palsy and often needs time to sit and relieve her exhaustion. Her friends and mother are supportive of her needs, finding the positives in being able to take a breather. While not explicitly mentioned in the text, this book prompts the question what if there were no seats available for Sam?

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A joyful picture book about a disabled girl with cerebral palsy who goes back-to-school shopping with her best friends, from #DisabledandCute creator and The Pretty One author Keah Brown. Sam's Super Seats celebrates the beauty of self-love, the power of rest, and the necessity of accessible seating in public spaces. Includes narrative description of art for those with low/limited vision.

Sam loves herself, learning, and making her family and friends laugh. She also loves comfortable seats, including a graceful couch named after Misty Copeland and Laney, the sassy backseat of Mom's car.

After a busy morning of rest, Sam and her friends try on cute outfits at the mall and imagine what the new school year might bring. It's not until Sam feels tired, and the new seat she meets isn't so super, that she discovers what might be her best idea all day.

With hilarious, charming text by Keah Brown and exuberant illustrations by Sharee Miller,

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All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything (Annette Bay Pimentel & Nabi H. Ali)

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All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything (Annette Bay Pimentel & Nabi H. Ali)

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This text highlights an important moment in the fight for disability rights, the Capitol Crawl. Told from the lens of Jennifer Kealan, a young girl with cerebral palsy, All the Way to the Top emphasizes the importance of taking a stand for what is right. Readers will learn about the discriminatory practices in place prior to the Americans with Disability Act being put into place, and how peaceful protest can make a change.

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The inspiring true story of Jennifer Keelan, the activist whose participation in the Capitol Crawl at just eight years old encouraged Congress to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Jennifer Keelan grew up battling—and overcoming—the limitations others se…

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A Boy and a Jaguar (Alan Robinowitz & Cátia Chien)

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A Boy and a Jaguar (Alan Robinowitz & Cátia Chien)

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Author Alan Robinowitz recounts his childhood growing up with a stutter, and how he had been treated negatively by his school and society at large. After being discriminated against for his speech difficulties, Alan found comfort in his conversations with animals, discovering that his fluency improved greatly when speaking with them. As an adult involved in animal conservation, Alan must appeal to lawmakers in Belize to limit jaguar hunting--facing his stutter at the same time. This book demonstrates how challenging it was for people with disabilities to be included in society, and how they had to carve their own path to recognition and inclusion.

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2015 Schneider Family Book Award Winner calls, "the Indiana Jones of wildlife conservation" as he searches for his voice and fulfills a promise to speak for animals, and people, who cannot speak for themselves. This real-life story with tender illustrations by Catia Chien explores truths not defined by the spoken word.
* "A candid and deeply resonant account of a hard-fought battle against societal stigma, and an embrace of one's true talent and calling." -Publisher's Weekly, starred review Speaking for the animals he loves gives one boy's life hope, purpose, and truth in this gorgeous picture book autobiography. Time Magazine

Alan loves animals, but the great cat house at the Bronx Zoo makes him sad. Why are they all alone in empty cages? Are they being punished? More than anything, he wants to be their champion-their voice-but he stutters uncontrollably.

Except when he talks to animals...then he is fluent.

Follow the life of the man Publishers Weekly Best Book Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2015 Winner of the 2015 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award 2015 Green Earth Book Honor book

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Amazon.com: A Boy and a Jaguar: 9780547875071: Rabinowitz, Alan, Chien, Cátia

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We Want to Go to School!: The Fight for Disability Rights (Maryann Cocca-Leffler & Janine Leffler)

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We Want to Go to School!: The Fight for Disability Rights (Maryann Cocca-Leffler & Janine Leffler)

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Prior to major laws being passed for the rights of people with disabilities in America, thousands of children were denied education on the basis of their disabilities. This book shares the plight of them and their families in fighting this discrimination. The events in this book lead up to the Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia case, which guaranteed children with disabilities across the country access to fair education.

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There was a time in the United States when millions of children with disabilities weren't allowed to go to public school. But in 1971, seven kids and their families wanted to do something about it. They knew that every child had a right to an equal education, so they went to court to fight for that right. The case Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia led to laws ensuring children with disabilities would receive a free, appropriate public education. Told in the voice of Janine Leffler, one of the millions of kids who went to school because of these laws, this book shares the true story of this landmark case.

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We Want to Go to School! | Albert Whitman & Company

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There was a time in the United States when millions of children with disabilities weren't allowed to go to public school. But in 1971, seven kids and their families wanted to do something about it. They knew that every child had a right to an equal education, so they went to court to fight for [...]

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Jessica Rusick outlines the nature of physical disabilities in this informational text, focusing on how assistive technologies and tools help them rather than confine them. The book discusses why these devices are necessary, and how people often perceive them as being limiting. Rusick demonstrates how to support peers with physical disabilities in the school community, and how to better understand their needs.

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In this title, readers learn common symptoms and behaviors of physical disabilities and how it affects kids at school and in relationships. Text includes suggestions on how to be a kind and respectful friend to someone who has physical disabilities and appropriate activities kids can enjoy together. A famous person who has overcome the challenges of physical disability is highlighted. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Big Buddy Books is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Editorial Reviews

11/01/2021

Gr 1-4-The books in this series clearly explain different disabilities such as ADHD, autism, blindness, and dyslexia. Readers learn the symptoms and behaviors associated with each, the impact of school on children with disabilities, the devices that support these children, how to befriend an individual with a disability, and enjoyable activities to share with this friend. Each book emphasizes the importance of using respectful language and respecting differences. Many colorful photos show children with and without disabilities having fun together. In addition, each book also features a successful person who has the disability. VERDICT Informative and upbeat, this series is an excellent source of information for children and provides useful guidance for becoming friends with children with disabilities. Recommended for both classroom and library use.

School Library Journal

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In this title, readers learn common symptoms and behaviors of physical disabilities and how it affects kids at school and in relationships. Text includes suggestions on how to be a kind and respectful friend to someone who has physical disabilities and appropriate activities kids can enjoy...

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We Move Together (Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire, & Eduardo Trejos)

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We Move Together (Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire, & Eduardo Trejos)

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We Move Together rallies readers into working together for a better world. It demonstrates how people can learn from one another and come together to make a difference. At the end of the text, specific aspects of the illustrations, including the people featured, are considered in depth.

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"This stunning picture book highlights the way that people of all abilities can move together with a little ingenuity, a lot of community and a focus toward disability justice. Presented with a focus on diversity the book is written simply and powerfully in a way that even the youngest children will find relevant."Ontario Library Association show us a world of cooperation, equality, community, love and friendship, which I believe is a world we all would be happy to live in." The Invention of Hugo Cabret
-

"The detailed and charming illustrations in We Move Together
- Brian Selznick author/illustrator of

"Brightly illustrated and with a helpful glossary, We Move Together is a sensitive and joyful jumping-off point to begin the vital conversation about accessibility." Saleema Nawaz, author of Songs for the End of the World
-

" We Move Together is full of practical magic. It's grounded in a world children will recognize-full of ice cream, public transit, parks, and play-but it opens up possibilities of worlds and futures we dream of. It invites us to think and talk about disability and difference with love and respect. The best kind of book about changing the world, We Move Together doesn't tell us how we should change things, it just reminds us that we can." Cory Silverberg, educator and author of What Makes a Baby and
-

"We Move Together is full of gorgeous illustrations and stories of our communities in all of their varied differences. Rooted in disability justice, this book offers ways of practicing interdependence, collective care, and transformative justice. As a Black, Mad, and disabled parent, I am eager to read this book in our family-finally a book in which we can see ourselves reflected! We Move Together is essential reading for all bookshelves!" Syrus Marcus Ware, Co-Founder, Black Lives Matter-Canada
-

" We Move Together is a love letter to the next generation of disabled kids, and a provocation for their nondisabled peers to rethink an ableist society's assumptions about how our bodies should move, what they should look like, and how our brains should work ... This gorgeously illustrated book offers a powerful message rooted in the Disability Justice movement-we care for and love each other, and we move together, with nobody left behind." Lydia X. Z. Brown, disability justice advocate and founder/director of Fund for Community Reparations for Autistic People of Color's Interdependence, Survival, & Empowerment
-

" We Move Together makes me want to move with joy! Finally there is a book I can share with my kiddo that expresses the joy of disability community; the playfulness of different ways of moving; and the fun of creating access-while also showing the challenges of ableism. This book can grow with my daughter as she goes from asking questions about the beautifully illustrated pictures and engaging words, to when she can grapple with the many key ideas of disability justice provided at the end of the book. A delightful and much needed celebration of disability community, and most importantly, as my daughter says, it's fun! " Sunaura Taylor,
- disability studies scholar and author of

" We Move Togethe r is a new picture book by a diverse team of authors who have come together to write a love letter to the disability community. It is, in a word, fantastic. It is empowering, it is interesting, it is understandable, it is relevant-I could go on all day about how much I love this book."Kate Ryan for Thinking Person's Guide to Autism
-

"We all move through the world in different ways, and it's so important to provide young readers with visible examples of the many assistive devices people with disabilities use on a daily basis. Normalizing characters with disabilities in children's literature is such a great way to accomplish this goal, and We Move Together does it flawlessly."
- Mutually Inclusive Books

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A bold and colorful exploration of all the ways that people navigate through the spaces around them and a celebration of the relationships we build along the way. We Move Together follows a mixed-ability group of kids as they creatively negotiate everyday barriers and find joy and connection in d...

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Benji, the Bad Day, and Me (Sally J. Pia & Ken Min)

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Benji, the Bad Day, and Me (Sally J. Pia & Ken Min)

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Told from the perspective of an older sibling to a child with disabilities, this text outlines how families are often impacted by disability. Sammy is having an awful day, and it feels as if no one is giving him the attention and care he needs. All except for Benji, his younger brother with autism. This book embraces the importance of empathy, and shows how support can make a world of difference.

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juvenile fiction / disabilities & special needs

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juvenile fiction / social themes / emotions & feelings

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juvenile fiction/disabilities & special needs

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juvenile fiction/social themes - emotions & feelings

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siblings; compassion; cultural diversity; autism; multiethnic interest; families; neurodiversity; disability; empathy; overcoming obstacles

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juvenile fiction / disabilities & special needs

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juvenile fiction / social themes / emotions & feelings

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juvenile fiction/disabilities & special needs

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juvenile fiction/social themes - emotions & feelings

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Benji, the Bad Day, and Me [Sally J. Pla, Ken Min, Ken Min] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Benji, the Bad Day, and Me

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Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion (Shannon Stocker & Devon Holzwarth)

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Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion (Shannon Stocker & Devon Holzwarth)

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Listen paints the picture of Evelyn Glennie, a world-renowned percussionist who lost her hearing as a young girl. Despite this, she still loved music, and worked tirelessly to study percussion as a child. Time and time again, she was turned away because of her disability, but she managed to get people to truly listen. Because of her, music schools across Great Britain learned not to discriminate against musicians with disabilities.

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* Schneider Family Book Award Winner *
* ALA Notable Children's Book *
* Anna Dewdney Read Together Award Honor *
* Cybils Award Finalist *
* Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year *
* Crystal Kite Finalist *

"Does a fantastic job of making sound come alive on the page. . . . A fantastic book." -"This beautiful picture book biography celebrates the many ways we can listen-and the incredible creativity of this pioneering artist." -A Mighty Girl

"Perfect for elementary school readers learning about music and fascinating women. . . . This is more than a story of overcoming discrimination due to disability-Stocker captures something about the artist's need to be herself, regardless of abilities. . . . Lush brushstrokes, delicate character portraits, and warm colors make this a beautiful title to explore, and the ample text and sweet author's note ensure that Glennie's story will have an impact on readers. . . . Excellent . . . especially for musical readers looking to feel the music and not just hear it." -School Library Journal

"Radiant." -
"If you've ever faced a challenge in music, sports, or any part of your life, this book is a perfect fit. Kids who like illustrated biographies will also enjoy it. [Shannon] Stocker writes very movingly about [Evelyn] Glennie's life. . . . The book is uplifting. It inspires courage. I strongly recommend it." -Time for Kids (TFK Kid Reporter)

"An intriguing, loving biography." - "Evelyn Glennie not only challenges the traditional role of a percussionist but what it means to listen to music. . . . Lyrical text [and] expressive swirls of vibrant colors throughout evoke the sounds Evelyn's body feels and the beautiful music she creates in return." "Engaging text [and] vibrant illustrations, which effectively use color and pattern and movement to represent sound. An author's note provides more information about this remarkable musician's work."

ALA Notable Children's Book AWARD 2023

Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year AWARD 2023

Schneider Family Book Award AWARD 2023

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Listen by Shannon Stocker: 9780593109694 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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Schneider Family Book Award Winner * A gorgeous and empowering picture book biography about Evelyn Glennie, a deaf woman, who became the first full-time solo percussionist in the world. (Cover may vary)...

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I Have Cerebral Palsy (Mary Beth Springer)

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I Have Cerebral Palsy (Mary Beth Springer)

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This text tells the story of Sydney, a young girl with cerebral palsy. It outlines her daily life and the accessibility devices that she uses to be successful. At the end of the book, author Mary Beth Springer goes into depth on these tools, explaining their use and importance. The book also details The Miracle League, a baseball team for children with disabilities that Sydney is a part of. This text invites readers to consider how changemakers have made the world more accessible.

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Meet Sydney, a girl who likes the same things other kids do-riding her bike, playing baseball, and hanging out with her friends. Sydney also has cerebral palsy, which makes walking, talking, and using her hands difficult.

Sydney shares her firsthand account of life with cerebral palsy in this book so that others can understand what her life is like. Most importantly, Sydney wants her story to help other kids feel more comfortable around people with disabilities.

Readers can learn about the different items that make it easier for Sydney to be mobile, eat, or write in the fact-filled section about adaptive technology. Information about the Miracle League, the volunteer-based program that makes it possible for children with a variety of disabilities to play baseball is also included.

Additional resources are available to learn more about cerebral palsy and organizations that help children with disabilities lead active lives.

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Meet Sydney, a girl who likes the same things other kids do-riding her bike, playing baseball, and hanging out with her friends. Sydney also has cerebral palsy, which makes walking, talking, and using her hands difficult. Sydney shares her firsthand account of life with cerebral palsy in this boo...

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A Wheelchair for Francis (Adrienne Mugwanya & Tom Kanyike)

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A Wheelchair for Francis (Adrienne Mugwanya & Tom Kanyike)

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A Wheelchair for Francis tells the true story of Francis Mugwanya as a young boy in Uganda. After suffering from malaria and Polio as a child, Francis could no longer walk, and as such could not go to school. With the help of his family, Francis is finally able to get a wheelchair. Francis decided to dedicate himself to helping other people get mobility devices in Uganda by founding the Father's Heart Mobility Ministry.

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"In the 9.5 years that we have been married, I have seen Francis impact thousands of people by his life's story. Everyone he meets is inspired by him and he literally has queues of people waiting to greet him or meet with him. I realized that his story is unique and I wanted it to be able to impact even more people around the world - people that may never get the opportunity to meet him personally. That's why I wrote this story. To inspire the world by what God has done in my husband's life.

Throughout our travels distributing wheelchairs in Uganda, we often stopped at one of the shops on the equator that displays Tom's artwork. I just loved to gaze at his amazing creations. When I met Tom, I was surprised he was so young! When I read him my story and it resonated with his heart (also having grown up with a disability), I knew he was the one to make this story come alive in the book. When he agreed to do the illustrations I was so excited! I knew it would turn out brilliantly and it did!

Proceeds from book sales support Father's Heart Mobility Ministry. And now as we give mobility, every recipient will receive a smaller, softcover, gift edition of this wonderful book. I echo our friend Joni's endorsement, "Spread the word, people with disabilities are precious in the sight of God!"

I pray that this story will bless your life and inspire you to love to a greater degree."

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Father's Heart Mobility Ministry | A Wheelchair for Francis

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A Wheelchair For Francis - A Wheelchair For Francis Is The True Story Of A Young Ugandan Boy And His Desire To Have A Wheelchair After A Sickness Leaves Him ...

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Included: A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy (Jayneen Sanders & Camila Carrossine)

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Included: A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy (Jayneen Sanders & Camila Carrossine)

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This inspirational picturebook tells of six children with different disabilities, and how they like to feel included and valued. Author Jayneen Sanders emphasizes the importance of asking questions and being respectful towards others, in order to create an empathetic and supportive community.

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Jayneen (aka Jay Dale) is an experienced primary school teacher, editor, author and publisher.

She started her teaching career in the 1980s as an elementary school teacher in rural Queensland, Australia. She then moved to Victoria and taught at a number of inner-city schools.

In 1985, Jay had a change of career and became an educational editor and publisher.

In the early 90s, Jay and her partner moved to Japan to work as English teachers. They lived and worked in Japan for over three and a half years. In fact, Jay's first daughter was born there.

On returning to Australia, Jay began work as an educational author/packager. Since that time, she has authored and produced numerous award-winning titles for the educational publishing industry. Jay is also an accomplished children's book author, writing a number of titles for such literacy series as ZigZags, Totally Kidz, Deadly and Incredible, and a children's picture book series for Penguin.

During 2008 and 2009, Jay returned to teaching. That experience refreshed her understanding of issues facing children, teachers and parents.

She is currently working with an educational publisher as lead author of a new literacy series. Jay has written over 100 titles in that series.

More importantly, Jay is a mother of three teenage girls and has been a school councillor at her local primary school for over seven years. This time spent in primary schools both as a teacher and a parent inspired her to ask the question of her community: 'What are we doing in schools to protect our children from sexual interference?' When she realised very little was actually being done, she decided to use her authoring and publishing skills to write books to help parents, carers and teachers to broach the subject of self-protection and to encourage children to speak up.

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Included: A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy

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Included: A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy [Sanders, Jayneen, Carrossine, Camila] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Included: A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy

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Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability (Shane Burcaw)

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Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability (Shane Burcaw)

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Shane Burcaw discusses his life with spinal muscular atrophy and answers common questions that he receives, such as how he eats or how he spends time with his friends. In addition to responding to these questions, Burcaw also details how accommodations around him make his life easier. His friends and family support him, and he has specific tools to help get around. Burcaw's humor helps readers become more comfortable with disabilities as a whole.

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Shane Burcaw was born with a rare disease called spinal muscular atrophy, which hinders his muscles' growth. As a result, his body hasn't grown bigger and stronger as he's gotten older―it's gotten smaller and weaker instead. This hasn't stopped him from doing the things he enjoys (like eating pizza and playing sports and video games) with the people he loves, but it does mean that he routinely relies on his friends and family for help with everything from brushing his teeth to rolling over in bed.

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Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability

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Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability [Burcaw, Shane, Carr, Matt] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability

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[Video #1] What it feels like to be autistic - Dr. Temple Grandin

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[Video #1] What it feels like to be autistic - Dr. Temple Grandin

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In accompaniment with the text about Dr. Temple Grandin's life, it is important for readers to hear her perspectives in her voice. Dr. Grandin explains her situation as a young person, and how she still remains true to herself in making change in the world. Putting a face and a voice to an important figure helps readers contextualize her experience.

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[Audio #1] Interview with Francis Mugwanya

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[Audio #1] Interview with Francis Mugwanya

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In this interview, Francis Mugwanya discusses his experience with growing up as a disabled person in Uganda, as well as his mission to help other people with disabilities lead successful lives. Through his charity, he educates people on the nature of disabilities, and provides access to mobility devices like wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers.

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Newsday - ‘I crawled on my hands and knees for nine years without a wheelchair’ - BBC Sounds

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Now Francis Mugwanya has provided 15,000 wheelchairs to others across Uganda

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[Video #1] Creating an Accessible Playground

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[Video #1] Creating an Accessible Playground

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The fifth-grade students of Glen Lake Elementary School in Hopkins, Minnesota noticed that their playground was inaccessible for many of their peers with disabilities. To combat this, they decided to hold fundraising events, and eventually were able to raise $300,000 to fund a new accessible playground for everyone.

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Students raise funds to make playground inclusive for those with disabilities

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Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights (Diana Pastora Carson & Patrick William Connally)

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Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights (Diana Pastora Carson & Patrick William Connally)

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This text details the perseverance and strength of Ed Roberts, a disability rights activist. Roberts contracted Polio as a young boy, which resulted in him needing significant assistance to breathe. He and his mother fought for him to attend school, all the way through college. As time passed, he expanded his action into the fight for disability rights across the country. His contributions led to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which granted increased rights to those with disabilities.

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Children know about Civil Rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chavez. But many have yet to learn about the transformational work of Ed Roberts, hailed as the "Father of Independent Living." Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights is a biography about Edward Verne Roberts, who, at age 14, became a quadriplegic as a result of Polio. The life he lived post-Polio was one of transformation, both for himself, and for society's image of people with disabilities. Ed became empowered through his determination, his education, and his advocacy for supports and services that enabled him to become an independent citizen. Ed knew he was not disabled by Polio as much as he was disabled by societal responses to his disability. He fought for his own rights and the civil rights of all people with disabilities. His legacy continues to inspire access, equity, and life quality, both in the United States and abroad. This book describes his life in mission in terms that children will understand and adults will connect to. The bold and detailed artwork of the late Patrick William Connally graces each page with poetic representations of disability civil rights history.

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Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights

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Children know about Civil Rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chavez. But many have yet to learn about the transformational work of Ed Roberts, hailed as the "Father of Independent Living." Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights is a biography about Edward Verne Robert...

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[Video #1] What It's Like To Experience A Disability (Full Episode)

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[Video #1] What It's Like To Experience A Disability (Full Episode)

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In this video, several children with different disabilities are interviewed to share their experiences and perspectives. They discuss how they are perceived by others, what they enjoy, and how they would change the world if they could. The children also share their dreams for the future. This video showcases the importance of listening to the voices of disabled people themselves to better understand their experiences.

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What It's Like To Experience A Disability (Full Episode)

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[Video #1] A Brief But Spectacular take on the disability rights movement

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[Video #1] A Brief But Spectacular take on the disability rights movement

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Disability rights activist Judy Heumann discusses the struggles she faced as a young girl with disabilities. She connects this with the discrimination she has continued to face into adulthood. The disability rights movement has intertwined with other rights movements in the fight against prejudice and legal discrimination.

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A Brief But Spectacular take on the disability rights movement

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[Video #2] See what children with disabilities can do

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[Video #2] See what children with disabilities can do

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While this video is brief, it shares a poignant message about how children with disabilities express themselves and interact with the world. Three children with different disabilities show their passions, not letting their differences hold them back from what they enjoy. This video is useful for opening up discussions regarding our perceptions of people with disabilities--do we seem them solely for their disability, or for who they are as a person?

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See what children with disabilities can do

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[Video #2] Stories About Wheelchair Accessibility Around the World - Rolling On Trailer

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[Video #2] Stories About Wheelchair Accessibility Around the World - Rolling On Trailer

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Six wheelchair users share their stories of accessibility around the world. They discuss how many places are inaccessible for them, and how these limitations in society force them to change their entire day. They encourage people to take note of what spaces are accessible and make that information available to help assuage difficulty.

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Stories About Wheelchair Accessibility Around the World - Rolling On Trailer

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[Text #1] How can you talk without speaking?

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[Text #1] How can you talk without speaking?

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This article details how sign language is used as a method of communication, and why it is important for both hearing and deaf people. It positions signing as a language, highlighting the different varieties of sign languages present across the world. One feature of this article is that is provides additional resources for students to explore, including some basic ASL websites and a list of well-known people who are deaf.

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How many languages do you know? Many people in the world only know one language. However, our world is more connected than ever. That's making it more and more common for people to learn more than one language.

Have you ever heard someone call themselves "bilingual"? That means they know two languages. How about "trilingual"? Can you guess what that means? If you guessed it means they know three languages, you're right! Many people also prefer to say they're " multilingual." That just means they know more than one language.

In today's world, many people communicate in languages that aren't even spoken. Are you WONDERing how that's possible?

One unspoken language people communicate in is sign language. There are many types of sign language. Pidgin Sign Language is the most common sign language used in the United States by people who are . Other common are American Sign Language, British Sign Language, and Spanish Sign Language. All-in-all, there are between 138 and 300 different sign languages in the world!

If you're hard of hearing or , you know how helpful sign languages are. Many people are great at communicating by speaking and reading lips. However, lips can be . Sign language allows us to talk with less confusion.

Do you use any signs ? Maybe a "thumbs up" to mean "yes"? Or a flat palm to mean "stop"? Sign language is much more complex. Signs can convey the meaning of words or short phrases. Words and names that don't have their own signs are spelled out using fingerspelling .

One thing sign languages and spoken languages have in common is that facial expression is very important in both. They give context and help the listener understand the speaker better.

Who uses sign language? It's a great communication tool for anyone to learn! Today, many people learn sign language as infants whether they're able to hear or not. This helps them communicate before they learn to speak. When they grow up, these people are better able to communicate with those of us who are hearing impaired, too.

Many famous people have communicated through sign language. One of the most well-known is Helen Keller. She was an author and rights who was both and blind. The inventor Thomas Edison and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven are two other well-known people who were .

Do you know a sign language? If so, help a friend learn a few signs. If not, now is a great time to start learning!

CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.W.4, CCRA.W.9, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.L.2, CCRA.SL.1

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Get ready for a hands-on Wonder of the Day that's a sure sign of things to come!

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[Text #1] The Fight for Disability Rights

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[Text #1] The Fight for Disability Rights

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This article relates to many of the other sources under this subtopic. It goes into detail on the history of the disability rights movement, highlighting key activists who helped to bring about change. It also makes note of how the ADA has impacted society as a whole, and how there are still many changes to be made to make the world a more accessible place.

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Thirty years ago, U.S. lawmakers passed a key law protecting people who have disabilities from discrimination.

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This interview showcases the experiences of Nicky Nieves, a Paralympic gold medalist. She discusses how she became involved with the sitting volleyball sport, and how Paralympic sports are not a "simplified" version of a sport. They are accessible versions that require just as much strength and endurance.

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The world's best athletes with a disability will compete at the Paralympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, from August 24 through September 5. Nicky Nieves is a Paralympic gold medalist. She's on the United States Women's Sitting National Team for volleyball.

When TFK's Karena Phan spoke with Nieves, in April, the athlete was in Edmond, Oklahoma, preparing for the Games. Nieves spoke about training during the pandemic, her nonprofit, and her love for volleyball.

How long have you been playing sitting volleyball?

Since 2011. At that time, I was in college, playing [traditional volleyball] for Queens College [in New York].

Then what happened?

The Paralympic team reached out to my athletic director. They were like, "Hey, we see you have an athlete [who] doesn't have a hand. We want to know if she'd be interested in playing sitting volleyball." At first, I was hesitant. But I tried it, and I loved it. And I loved it so much that I stuck with it.

JOHN SLEEZER-the KANSAS CITY STAR/TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE/GETTY IMAGES

What's your favorite thing about sitting volleyball?

I've found my sense of community. When I was growing up, my parents and I never had knowledge of adaptive sports. Now I could talk about little things in life and trying to get better at the sport with people who understood exactly what I was going through. It was a game changer. It felt like I had made another family outside of the one that I already have.

What was it like training during the pandemic?

Training during the pandemic was a nightmare. Usually, when we have a big tournament, we live temporarily at our training site. It's really useful for me to get advice from my coaches and to be around my teammates. That all changed when the pandemic happened. I ended up being home for a long time. It was difficult to create the same kind of environment at home.

How is training going now?

We got off to a slow start because we'd been away from each other for so long. But now we're back on the grind for Tokyo.

What's one thing you're looking forward to most in Tokyo?

If I'm being honest, I'm looking forward to actually going to Tokyo! I just can't wait to get there, because then I'll know it's real.

HARRY HOW-GETTY IMAGES

What inspired you to create your nonprofit, Limitless People Inc.?

When I graduated from high school, in 2007, my mom paid for me to play club volleyball. [Club volleyball] helped me tremendously. It got me a college scholarship. However, now it's ridiculously expensive. I thought, "What would somebody else become, or where would they be, if they had a little bit of the opportunity that I had? Or the resources that I had?" My goal is inclusivity and opportunities.

What is something you want people to know about Paralympic sports?

Just because it's a Paralympic sport doesn't mean it's easier. I wish that, when people looked at Para sports, they'd admire individuals for their athleticism and hard work. Not so much for, like, "Oh, she's a blind athlete. It's so inspiring." No, be inspired because they're an athlete giving it all that they got, despite the odds.

ILYA PITALEV-SPUTNIK/AP

What advice do you have for young people?

There are always going to be people who will speak negativity into your life. Regardless of what people say-if a coach, or a parent, or a friend doesn't think you're good enough-don't ever stop. Leave it all out there, so at the end of the day, you can say, "Okay, I gave it my all."

Watch the Tokyo Paralympics with all the Team U.S.A. athletes starting August 24 on NBC.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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The world's best athletes with a disability will compete at the Paralympic Games, in Tokyo, Japan, from August 24 through September 5. Nicky Nieves is a Paralympic gold medalist. She's on the United States Women's Sitting National Team for volleyball....

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This TIME for Kids article showcases the efforts people like Clinton Lexa, a disability advocate who works with game developers to make video games more accessible. This includes designing customizable controllers and implementing different settings in games to accommodate different disabilities. The article includes a video of how these accessible controllers function.

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Clinton Lexa loves video games. But playing them hasn't always been easy. Lexa was born with a disability. It affects a person's hands. Lexa usually does tasks and activities, such as playing video games, left-handed. "I taught myself," Lexa told TIME for Kids. "There was no guide."

Today, Lexa is a professional gamer and one of many people working to make video games more accessible × accessible Developers × developer MJ0007/GETTY IMAGES able to be entered, reached, or used (adjective) They lowered the water fountain so it would be accessible for students in wheelchairs. . TOM WERNER-GETTY IMAGES a person who creates software (noun) Studying computers now will help me to become a game developer when I grow up. are helping. They're creating games with accessibility settings. And companies are designing controllers so people with disabilities can play.

Games for All

When not gaming, Lexa is an accessibility consultant. This means giving feedback to developers about making video games accessible. One project is an adventure game called Celeste. It has an "assist" mode that lets players change the game's settings. Lexa helped update the mode's introduction so more people would feel encouraged to use the mode. The result is challenging while being "more inclusive," Lexa says.

Can I Play That? is a gaming website. It's run by Courtney Craven. According to Craven, video games are changing. This is thanks to advocates like Lexa. Craven hopes that one day, developers will focus on accessibility. Then advocates won't be needed. "We want to not have to exist," Craven says.

Get Connected

Mark Barlet started the AbleGamers Charity. He says people with disabilities often feel alone. "Social isolation is a pandemic," Barlet says. "Games are this shared experience."

AbleGamers helps people with disabilities build gaming controllers that work for them. "Our mission is about combating social isolation," Barlet says. Tools such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which AbleGamers helped design, make this possible.

Craig Kaufman works for AbleGamers. "We basically had to make sure that the industry was . . . focused on including players with disabilities," he says. "For the longest time, most people didn't."

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Clinton Lexa loves video games. But playing them hasn't always been easy. Lexa was born with a disability. It affects a person's hands. Lexa usually does tasks and activities, such as playing video games, left-handed. "I taught myself," Lexa told...

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[Video #2] We Are All Different - and THAT'S AWESOME! | Cole Blakeway | TEDxWestVancouverED

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[Video #2] We Are All Different - and THAT'S AWESOME! | Cole Blakeway | TEDxWestVancouverED

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In this TED Talk, Cole Blakeway describes his relationship with inclusivity and being unique. He shares his family's connection with a man named Steven, whom his mother met when she was a young woman herself. Steven has autism, and has remained a close family friend for decades. Cole highlights the message of remaining true to yourself, and being exactly who you are meant to be.

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We Are All Different - and THAT'S AWESOME! | Cole Blakeway | TEDxWestVancouverED

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In this article, readers can learn about several common disabilities, as well as how they are treated or accommodated. It reminds readers that there are people around them that may need extra support to succeed in their daily lives. An aspect of discussion after reading this article is the use of the term "special needs" and how it relates to the word "disability". What do students think is a more appropriate term, and why?

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Lots of kids have special needs. Find out more in this article for kids.

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[Text #3] Disability and language (excerpt)

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[Text #3] Disability and language (excerpt)

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This blog post, while not specifically aimed at young readers, opens an important conversation of how we think and talk about disability. Chloe Tear, the blogger behind this post, is disabled herself. Reading aloud paragraphs 2-4 ("Firstly...differently able?") to students would kickstart their thinking on this subject. Chloe emphasizes that while having a disability is challenging, it does not mean that her completing everyday tasks should be celebrated as inspirational.

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Language and the words we use affect every aspect of our lives. Some would even argue that political correctness has gone mad and is currently out of control. However, today I am focusing on a very small section of language — the words we use to describe disability. Granted, this isn’t a small area…

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[Text #2] "I am a child" - a poem by Cleric Tembwe

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[Text #2] "I am a child" - a poem by Cleric Tembwe

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This powerful poem by Cleric Tembwe is an appeal for equity and understanding for all. Tembwe asks for a world in which all people with disabilities are given the chance to live to their full potential.

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I am a child, I am a child, although my needs may be different from yours, it does not make me any different from you.

I am a child, I am a child, I may not walk or run fast like you, but I feel and hurt, just the same.

I may not be able to hug you easily, but I love and have emotional needs just like you. I may look a little different, but I can do, and achieve what you can.

We all know being a child has its ups and downs, but for children like me, these are twice as much. So many times, I am labelled helpless, wasting your time as I try to navigate my way, through the door or trying to explain my thoughts to you. Yet, all I need, is for you to be patient with me.

For a second, I want you to be me, It's after school, like all other children. You are looking forward to going home, Outside, the rain is pouring, everybody is rushing not to get wet and so are you. As you are wheeling yourself, through the mud and puddles of water, your wheelchair gets stuck and you fall off your chair.

Struggling to get up. Tears start rolling down, there is no one to help, because everybody is rushing and running,

Imagine!

I am telling you this, not because I am looking for sympathy. I want to draw your attention, to the many challenges, that children like me still face.

If, and only if, you can make a world, where children like me can move with ease. A world, where children like me, are given a fair chance, to live to their full potential.

Then, only then, can we say there is hope For Every Child!

I Am A Child.

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A poem written and presented in front of the Heads of State of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe by Cleric Tembwe, a member of the Namibian Children's Parliament, and one of child participants at the sub-regional World Children's Day event at Kazungula Bridge on 20 November 2021. Used by permission. Copyright - Cleric Tembwe.

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"I am a child" - a poem by Cleric Tembwe

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A powerful call for inclusion and consideration, as given at WCD at Kazungula Bridge, 20 Nov 2021

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[Text #1] 10 Tips for Being a Friend to a Classmate with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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[Text #1] 10 Tips for Being a Friend to a Classmate with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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While specifically in relation to children with autism, this list from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln ASD Network is relevant for building positive relationships amongst any group of young children. It stresses the importance of being a good friend, helping others understand, and treating others with kindness.

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[Text #2] Same and Different: Respect for All (ADAPTED)

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[Text #2] Same and Different: Respect for All (ADAPTED)

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This article discusses the importance of people-first language, and how individuals with disabilities should not be strictly defined by them. It makes comparisons to other physical traits that people have, such as freckles or hair color, and points out that everyone is different in certain ways. In one of the later paragraphs in the article, specific insulting words are explicitly made reference to, necessitating an adaptation to the text to make it more appropriate for the age group. Aside from this change, this article presents the ideas of awareness and inclusivity in a way that is accessible for students to understand.

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1) As a class, students will discuss the history of disability rights and how the world has become more accessible for all people. Students will create a class Padlet to share specific takeaways regarding disability rights and the nature of accessibility. They can expand on key vocabulary terms, highlight specific moments and people in history, or share their personal thoughts and feelings.

2) With teacher guidance, students will meet with various school professionals to explore how students with disabilities are supported within the school community. Students will form into groups to decide on interview questions to gain a better understanding of their role.

3) Students will tour the school--inside and out--to explore how accommodations for people with disability are currently employed. They will take note of salient accessibility measures (e.g., braille on signs, ramps and elevators, etc.) as well as areas where they think accessibility could be improved. They will relate their findings with specific details from the texts and videos, in order to evaluate the reality of accessibility around them.

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1) After reviewing the selected texts and resources, students will create a comparison chart of individual and societal changes that can improve the lives of people with disabilities. They will consider how organizations and charities benefit people in need, as well as how they can inspire change as a single person.

2) In groups, students will design a call to action plan based on an identified accessibility and/or inclusion need they notice in their school community. They will consider how this problem affects individuals with specific disabilities in the school community, and develop a potential solution to mitigate it. They will organize their ideas into a presentation format of their choosing (slideshow, video, presentation board, pamphlet, etc.).

3) While creating their presentation, students will consider a stakeholder in the school community who could support their cause. Once their project is complete, they will arrange a meeting with this stakeholder to present their ideas. First, they will run a trial presentation with their peers to accumulate feedback. Using this feedback, they will meet with the stakeholder to make their case.

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1) Prior to engaging with the texts, students will consider on their own experiences with disability through peer discussion and written/drawn reflection. This may include family/friends they know with disability, famous people or historical figures, or perhaps interactions they have had with people in their community. They may also come to realize that they do not know as much as their peers, or that they have had different experiences. Students will be encouraged to keep their minds and hearts open as they proceed into learning more.

2) Using the books from the text set, students will inquire into the relationships authors have with the subject matter at hand. Are the authors themselves disabled? Do they know someone with a disability? How does this affect the way they discuss disability in their book? The class will create a chart to organize this information, and will continue to add to it with each new text explored.

3) Students will engage in a Watch, Talk, Think activity using the two videos. They will view one of the videos, using response prompts to guide their thinking (e.g., "I wonder why...", "I never knew that..."). Then, they will discuss their salient thoughts with a partner, expanding upon their ideas and reactions to what they watched. After this discussion, they will choose one of the prompts given and craft a short written response that highlights their thinking. They will engage in this activity again for the second video, this time with a different partner.

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1) After reading the supplementary texts, students will create a list of "dos" and "don'ts" of appropriate ways to interact with people with disabilities. For the "don'ts", they will discuss with a small group why they believe those actions to be insensitive, putting themselves in the shoes of someone with a disability.

2) In pairs, students will think of questions to ask fellow students with disabilities, using their knowledge of the texts. Students will meet with peers who have a disability in the school community, or students who have family members with disabilities.

3) Using specific ideas from the texts and their interviews, students will create a multimodal opinion piece on how they can actively include their peers in the community. They will refer to strategies they have learned as well as the thoughts/feelings of those they interviewed. They may also reflect on their own experiences of being included/excluded as part of a community. This piece can be in the form of prose and illustrations, a video recording of their thoughts, or a digital book.