Special Stories for Disability Awareness

Children who live and go to school apart from people with disabilities suffer from several distinct disadvantages, including the fact that exposure to stories about disability, however well-intentioned, may make them believe all those with disabilities have the same emotions, needs and attitudes as characters in the story. This set of eight stories has enough accompanying activities and lessons to counter this problem somewhat; Leicester (education emerita, U. of Nottingham) works from experiences she has had with her own daughter, who contributes an autobiography. Topics include common ground, the advantages of having a good caregiver, correct behaviour around those with disabilities, bullying, cultural attitudes toward disability, and the benefits of focusing on abilities rather than disabilities. This book is intended for children aged four to 11 who are not in mainstreamed classrooms, so caregivers should be extremely careful in using this if children with disabilities are part of the regular classroom.'

- www.booknews.com

'Designed to support key stages 1 and 2 of the National Curriculum (England and Wales); this 155 page book is a superb resource or anyone wishing to raise disability awareness among children. Using the medium of storytelling the lives and adventures of eight children with disabilities are individually told. Care has been taken to cover various types of disability, for example sensory impairment, learning difficulties/difference, mobility and emotional and behavioural difficulties. Cultural diversity is also strongly supported with some of the children coming from ethnic minority groups.

Refreshingly unlike many children's stories the heroes of these stories are based on children who have a disability, with a core aim of promoting a positive approach to disability and breaking away from the potential stereotyping that can so easily develop within the everyday lives of children.

Supported by walk through instructions on how the book should be used it highlights the key aims and objectives to each story. The building of vocabulary through activity sessions is particularly useful given the complexity of the subject.

Clearly illustrated the book is very much a flexible learning resource and can be used independently or within other subjects.

In conclusion this book is a must have for anyone tasked with teaching or supporting a child's education.'

-The Encephalitis Society

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