For most of us, books were a magical part of our childhood. Whether it was turning pages, lifting flaps, or discovering that words and pictures hold meaning, these early experiences laid the foundation for literacy and opened our eyes to the world around us.
But what about children with complex bodies—those with physical and developmental challenges who may use communication devices or face other barriers? Speech-Language Pathologist and assistive technology expert, Jennalyn Burke, wants to challenge the assumption that these children can’t benefit from the joy of reading or the foundational skills tied to interacting with physical books.
Jennalyn received a grant from the foundation to purchase adaptive books and materials for a workshop aimed at empowering special education professionals. The goal was to show how books could be adapted to meet the needs of every child. A key focus of the project was ensuring that the books not only covered a variety of topics but also included diverse representations of bodies—a feature that can be difficult to find in donated or second-hand books.
The workshop began by introducing the concept of adaptive books and explaining how they can support children with complex bodies. Jennalyn emphasized three key areas of adaptation: visual accessibility, tactile engagement, and support for fine motor skills. She shared practical examples of how books could be modified to make them more inclusive and accessible.
For children with visual impairments, one approach is to reduce visual clutter by cutting out key images and text, then pasting them onto a black background to create contrast. Tactile adaptations, such as adding textured materials like rough or shiny paper, felt, or pipe cleaners, can enhance sensory input and keep students engaged. To support fine motor development, simple additions like tabs, popsicle sticks, or pull strings on flaps can help children actively participate in the story.
Through this initiative, approximately 50 books were adapted to suit the needs of specific students in the district. Additionally, 15 books were added to the Assistive Technology materials closet for use in consultations. These books not only help educators assess a child’s needs but also provide a tangible way to engage children in literacy.
The impact of the adapted books has been immediate and overwhelmingly positive. One speech-language pathologist (SLP) shared her experience: “The Christmas book I adapted went over SO WELL. The student LOVED the Christmas tree, and was telling me about snow, lights, and Santa on his device. After we finished, he requested Little Bear, so I found a winter-themed Little Bear read-aloud online. We worked on finding clothing items, and he said ‘mama’ several times!”
Even a year after the initial workshop, the enthusiasm for adaptive books continues to grow. Jennalyn recently hosted a second workshop using the same materials and donated books. One SLP, Amanda Downing, shared how the skills she gained have transformed her practice: “Adaptive books have become my primary tool for addressing students’ goals. The results I’ve seen so far have been incredible, and I’ll continue to adapt more books to meet individual needs.”
Educators can feel unsure of where to begin when adapting a book for a student with a complex body, but this workshop equipped educators with the skills and materials to give it a try. The hands-on approach empowered participants to make meaningful changes that positively impacted their students’ literacy experiences.
Looking ahead, Jennalyn envisions expanding these efforts to include more books in children’s home languages, especially for multilingual households with medically complex children. She hopes this will open new opportunities for children to connect with literacy in ways that feel familiar and inclusive.
