How Stories and Reading can Help Teach Children About Disability

Stories play a huge part in a child's development. Reading to children stimulates their imagination and expands their horizons. But, books also teach children about the world around them. Reading stories together provokes curiosity and discussion, which can be useful when talking to children about disability.

"A year ago my daughter, Molly, became aware her left hand didn't always do the things she wanted it to do," says Emma Birch.

"Her frustration prompted me to look for books to explain in simple terms what cerebral palsy is. But there wasn't anything that was child friendly or presented cerebral palsy in a positive way."

Together with her occupational therapist and disability charity Scope, Birch has now launched Haylee's Friends, a story book about cerebral palsy for young children.

To read more please go to: http://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/2014/feb/03/stories-reading-teach-children-disability

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