Books and disability: advice for families, teachers and librarians

Children's books can play an important role in presenting positive images and messages for both disabled and non-disabled children. Here's how to find inclusive books to help do just that.

It's important that children find as many books as possible that include a full spectrum of different forms of disability. They need to see books that show disability in a natural and positive way, whether through images or storyline.We also need more books that are accessible to children with different needs.

Not only are disabled children looking to find themselves in the books they enjoy, but non-disabled children will then see disability from an early age, too. After all, families come in all shapes and sizes - living in a wide range of settings and enjoying very different lifestyles. These books are very useful when discussing "difference": how we treat others and how we feel when we are not treated well ourselves.