Issue of Accessibility

Throughout my undergraduate and graduate research on disability-related children's books, I've learned how difficult it is to access these books at my local library.  I've often had to travel an hour or further just to get my hands on specific titles.  I think this is very unfortunate, especially since the number of people with a disability is growing worldwide and disabilities are becoming increasingly more present in our classrooms (United Nations, 2009).  If children are to feel valued in schools, they need to see themselves reflected in the books that they read and hear about.  A possible reason for the issue of accessibility is that not enough disability-related children's books are being published.  An article entitled, "Newbery Books Lack Characters with Disabilities, Study Says," by Debra Lau (2011) stated:

Although there have been more kids with disabilities portrayed in Newbery Medal-winning titles in recent years, there still remains a huge discrepancy between the number of characters in Newbery Award-winning books and how many children in the general population attend special education classes, says a new report.

If more publishing companies were to publish more disability-related children's books and if more of these books were to be awarded, then perhaps it would not be so difficult to get a hold of such books.  Fortunately, Amazon offers many of the titles that you will be reading about in this blog spot at a discounted price.  Although I would not consider all of the disability-related books inclusive, these books are still available for all to access and read through.  In my upcoming blogs, I will be sure to share my thoughts on all of the disability-related books offered on Amazon so that all my readers will be able to read these books for themselves.

If you would like to read Debra Lau's (2011) complete article, 

which also comments on the issue of inclusivity, you can read it here! 

Are We There Yet? (1995)

Are We There Yet
Written by Verna Allette Wilkins
Illustrated by Pamela Venus

Verna Allette Wilkins' (1995) Are We There Yet? is about a disabled father who takes his twin children on a day trip to a leisure park.  I particularly like this story as it is difficult to find children's books that include a parent with a disability rather than a child.  Although this book is fairly outdated, I still think it deserves to be on every classroom shelf as the author has truly depicted disability in a positive light.  Using the criteria put for forth by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, I have evaluated this book below.    


1. What is the focus of the book? 
The focus of the book is not on disability.  It is simply about two twin children, both able-bodied, who are eager to arrive at the leisure park with their disabled father.  

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Yes, they certainly are!  I have actually never seen a children's book that has illustrated inclusive environments as well as this book has.  Just look at the picture (on the right) and see the way in which the kitchen is inclusive of the father's needs (i.e lowered counter with all items accessible). 

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Yes.  Despite the fact that the father is in a wheelchair, this does not stop him from being an involved father.  Text and illustrations portray the father as an active dad who does many things for his two young children, such as prepare meals for them and take them on fun day trips to the amusement park

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

There are no labels or disability-related terminology used in the text.  The illustrations clearly show that the father is in a wheelchair, but the text makes no reference to his disability at all.  

Overall, it is no surprise that I consider this book very inclusive.  It really shows the way in which a disability does not change a person for who they are, nor does it stop them from living life.      

Don't Laugh at Me (2002) - Lesson Plans

Don't Laugh at Me
Written by Steve Seskin and Allan Shamblin
Illustrated by Glin Dibley

I hope all of the wonderful mothers out there had a great Mother's Day weekend!  After treating my beautiful mom to a day at the spa yesterday and then taking her out with the family for some Greek food, I decided to research some more disability-related children's books.  Entering various keywords in Google search, I unintentionally came across multiple links to lesson plans that are based on Steve Seskin and Allan Shamblin's (2002) book Don't Laugh at Me (see previous blog for my thoughts on this powerful book).  I quickly skimmed through each of these great lesson plans, and thought I'd share them with you all.  The lesson plans are geared to different age groups, but each one can easily be modified to fit any grade.  Below are links to the lesson plans along with titles and brief descriptions of each one.  

1) "Don't Laugh at Me" - http://learningtogive.org/lessons/unit187/lesson1.html

In this lesson plan, learners will define and identify stereotypical and discriminatory behaviors and practices. They will describe a social action plan to make the school a welcome and secure learning environment for all learners. (Learning to Give, n.d.)

2) "Don't Laugh at Me" - http://www.operationrespect.org/pdf/guide.pdf 

In this detailed teachers guide (intended for grades 2-5), teachers will introduce and enrich ongoing efforts that nurture children’s emotional, social, and ethical development, such as character education, conflict resolution, and teaching tolerance programs. (Operation Respect, 2000)

3) "Don't Laugh at Me" - http://www.operationrespect.org/pdf/guide2.pdf 

In this detailed teachers guide (intended for grades 6-8), teachers will introduce and enrich ongoing efforts that nurture children’s emotional, social, and ethical development, such as character education, conflict resolution, and teaching tolerance programs. (Operation Respect, 2000)

If anybody gets a chance to try out any of these lessons, let me know how it goes!  I'd love to hear your thoughts!  

Don't Laugh at Me (2002)

Don't Laugh at Me
Written by Steve Seskin and Allan Shamblin
Illustrated by Glin Dibley

Steve Seskin and Allan Shamblin's (2002) well-known book Don't Laugh at Me is a book with an accompanying song that was created to help stop bullying amongst youth.  Although this book makes reference to various groups of marginalized people, it specifically talks about people with disabilities (people in wheelchairs, people who are visually-impaired, people who are deaf, etc.).  I have been especially excited to post my thoughts on this book because it is one of my favourites!  I can't help but shed a tear when reading the book and listening to the song.  The message is so powerful... it gives me goosebumps!  Using the criteria established by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, I have evaluated this book below.     


1. What is the focus of the book? 

Although the focus of this book is on differences, including disabilities, it is told from the perspective of individuals with these differences.  The repeating message is, "Don't laugh at me. Don't call me names.  Don't get your pleasure from my pain.  In God's eyes we're all the same.  Someday we'll all have perfect wings."  

  

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Although not all of the settings in the book appear to be inclusive (for example, the boy with the learning disability is the only one who is not participating in class), the illustrator in the book purposely chose to exaggerate each of his illustrations in order to encourage discussion about differences amongst youth.

   

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

The characters are not portrayed in valued roles (for example, the child who is different is the one who is chosen last on the playground), but the authors intentionally chose to portray each character in this way to make readers (and listeners) aware of the unfortunate way in which people with differences are excluded from society.  

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

Disability-related terms and labels are not contemporary or empowering (for example, the child with a learning disability is referred to as a "slow learner"), but once again, the authors intentionally chose to do this to make readers aware of the insulting names they call people with disabilities.    

Overall, I really think this book is inclusive of all children in the classroom as it makes reference to people in all shapes and sizes, able-bodied or disabled.  It teaches individuals that we are all different in some way or another, and that none of us are perfect.  It encourages youth to accept their peers for who they are, and not to bully them because of their differences.  How can one think that this book does not have a wonderful message?  It is important, however, not to introduce children to this book without discussion.  In order for children to recognize the significance of this book, teachers and parents need to talk to their children about the text and illustrations and encourage discussion about how we all are different in one way or another.  I particularly like this book because it is accomodating of people who are visual, auditory, and musical learners.  

Don't Laugh at Me sung by Mark Willis   

Lemon the Duck (2008)

Lemon the Duck

Written by Laura Backman


Illustrated by Laurence Cleyet-Merie

Laura Backman's (2008) Lemon the Duck tells the story of how a group of students help a disabled duck to walk by accepting him, loving him, and caring for him.  I stumbled across this book on YouTube when I was researching disability-related children's books on the Internet.  This book was identified as a "top-rated children's picture book about disabilities" by www.mommypicks.com.  Although I enjoyed listening to a woman tell this story (see YouTube clip below), I questioned whether or not the book itself is as inclusive as it's said to be.  This story is all about Lemon the Duck's inability to walk, and therefore the focus is on his disability.  Using the criteria offered by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, try evaluating this book similar to the way in which I have evaluated other books in previous blogs!  Do you think this book is inclusive?  Does it portray disability in a positive light?

Listen to Lemon the Duck by clicking on the YouTube clip below, 
and then post your comments below!

Brian's Bird (2003)

Brian's Bird
Written by Patricia A. Davis
Illustrated by Layne Johnson

Patricia A. Davis’ Brian’s Bird (2003) is about a boy with a visual impairment, Brian, and his pet bird named 'Scratchy.'  Although this children's book may initially appear to be inclusive, when using the criteria put forth by Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, one can see that this book portrays disability in an overall negative light.  It is unfortunate that the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education considers this book one of its "fab four of inclusive picture books."  

1. What is the focus of the book? 

Although the focus of the book is not entirely on Brian's disability, his visual impairment is a part of the main problem.  In the story, Brian's pet bird flies away.  Despite the fact that his older brother is blamed for keeping the door open, Brian's disability plays a major role in the conflict because he is forced to find the bird even though he is unable to see.  

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Yes.  All of the settings are inclusive because Brian is successfully able to make his way around his home with the assistance of a stick (see picture to the right).     

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Although Brian is seen as an active young boy who enjoys playing with his pet bird and teaching it to talk, he is ultimately portrayed as inferior to his able-bodied brother.  For example, when reading the book, one learns that Brian's brother always teases him, beats him in a race, and forces him to find his bird when it escapes (despite not being able to see).  The characters' roles are therefore imbalanced. 

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

There are no labels or disability-related terminology used in the text, except when the author informs the reader that Brian is "blind."  Although this term is considered socially-acceptable, many individuals prefer being called "visually-impaired."

Overall, I do not consider this book an inclusive one.  Children who read Brian’s Bird (2003) may have a negative perception of those with visual impairments due to the way in which the main character, Brian, is presented in the story.  Accordingly, this is not a disability-related book that I would recommend for teachers, and others interested, to share with young children.        

Russ and the Almost Perfect Day (2002)

Russ and the Almost Perfect Day

Written by Janet Elizabeth Rickert

Photography by Pete McGahan

Janet Elizabeth Rickert’s Russ and the Almost Perfect Day (2002) is based on the life of a boy with Down Syndrome.  After reading this children's book, I was honestly frustrated with the way the author chose to present the main character.  Using the criteria offered by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, it is clear that this book is full of stereotypes and therefore it is not very inclusive of children with disabilities.  

1. What is the focus of the book? 

The focus of the book is entirely on Russ' disability (Down Syndrome).  The storyline is all about how Russ requires assistance and special treatment because of his disability.   

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

No. Although Russ is seen participating in activities on the playground with friends at recess time, the text makes it clear that the playground is not inclusive.  The author states, "Russ made three baskets!  And the net wasn't even lowered!"  If the playground was inclusive, the net wouldn't have to be lowered.

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Although Russ is seen as an active young boy who enjoys playing with his friends, he is ultimately seen as someone who is dependent on others.  For example, when finding a five-dollar bill, Russ asks his friend what to do with it instead of making the important decision on his own.  This ultimately creates an imbalance of roles between Russ and those without a disability in the story.  

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

There are no labels or disability-related terminology used in the text, except 'Down Syndrome.'

Overall, I am sad to say that I don't think that Janet Elizabeth Rickert’s Russ and the Almost Perfect Day (2002) is a very inclusive book.  Due to the many stereotypes found in the text and illustrations, I think this book does not portray disability in a very positive light.  This story is all about Russ' disability, and it shouldn't be.  Although this book is unfortunately considered one of the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education's "fab four of inclusive picture books," this book will definitely not be put on my classroom bookshelf.