The Wasatch County Library is featuring the Understanding Disability book series, a collection of juvenile literature designed to explore disability through themes of pride, self-advocacy, and the role of service animals. The series, developed in collaboration with Easterseals, focuses on promoting equity, inclusion, and access through age-appropriate educational materials.
Exploring Disability Pride
The series includes specialized titles such as "Disability Pride" by Erin Hawley, published in 2023. This specific volume examines the history of disability pride and how the concept is celebrated in contemporary society. The book also addresses the distinctions between person-first language and identity-first language, while exploring topics related to civil rights and discrimination against people with disabilities.
The Role of Service Dogs
In addition to discussing social identity, the series provides educational resources on the practical assistance provided by animals. The book "Service Dogs" by Beth Finke, published in 2022, details how service animals assist their handlers. This title is part of the same Understanding Disability series and is designed to help students understand the human-animal relationships involved in disability assistance.
Inquiry-Based Learning
The Understanding Disability series is characterized by an inquiry-based educational approach. Each book includes sidebars designed to encourage students to look, think, make a guess, ask questions, and create. These interactive elements are intended to foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter through engagement and curiosity.
Partnership for Inclusion
The development of these educational materials involved direct collaboration with Easterseals, an organization working toward full equity, inclusion, and access through community services. To ensure authentic representation, the books are authored by writers living with disabilities.
Educational Scope
The literature available in the series covers a wide range of subjects related to people with disabilities and civil rights. The library's collection includes diverse titles that address juvenile nonfiction topics, such as the impact of media on disability perception and historical figures who fought for Americans with disabilities. The series is intended to provide a comprehensive and honest view of the experiences of people with disabilities for a juvenile audience.
Resource Details
Each book in the series is structured with standard educational components, including a table of contents, a glossary, an index, and author biographies. These resources are designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the complexities surrounding disability, ranging from social advocacy to daily life assistance.
