The Arts Council England (ACE) has approved funding for an inaugural initiative dedicated to
exploring the portrayal of individuals with disabilities in children’s books for ages three to 11. Unveiled at The Bookseller’s Children’s Conference, this venture aims to bolster
publishers and creators committed to authentically representing the experiences of those
living with disabilities. As an NDIS provider on the Gold Coast we are delighted to hear this
and look forward to seeing what might come out of the project.
A steering group and an expansive advisory network are in the early stages of formation,
with notable participants including authors Elle McNicoll, Lisette Auton, and Lizzie Huxley-
Jones. Disability activist June Eaton, along with reviewer and inclusion advisor Habeeba
Mulla, are also actively involved.
Experts Will Contribute
Esteemed experts and ambassadors from disability organizations such as Promoting a More
Inclusive Society (PAMIS) and the charity Changing Faces are contributing their expertise
and firsthand experiences across various aspects of disability, encompassing
neurodivergence, physical disability, chronic illness, profound and multiple learning
difficulties, and visible differences.
Conversations are underway with additional individuals and organizations, spanning
industry experts in publishing, education, academia, and the third sector.
The overarching goal of the steering group and advisory network is to establish robust
criteria to assess the representation of disabled individuals, pinpointing gaps and
opportunities within existing children’s books. As these criteria evolve, they will be tested
on a sample of current children’s books.
Diversity in Literature is a Priority
Sarah Crown, literature director at Arts Council England, emphasised the national priority of
diversity in literature, especially in children’s literature. Drawing parallels to the Centre for
Literacy in Primary Education’s Reflecting Realities report, which focuses on ethnic
representation, Crown expressed the need to broaden the scope to include other
characteristics, including disability.
The steering group and advisory network plan to present draft criteria and outcomes at the
2024 London Book Fair (LBF) on March 12th, facilitating a discussion-based session to gather
additional feedback. The intention is to determine the best course of action and secure
funding for a second-phase review of recent children’s books.
Beth Cox and Alex Strick, consultants and authors who identified as neurodivergent,
spearhead the project. They will manage administrative tasks, allowing the steering group to
concentrate on formulating criteria. Cox and Strick acknowledge their initial involvement
while hoping to amplify the voices of those with more pertinent experiences.
Want to participate?
Individuals interested in contributing diverse experiences to the steering group and the
wider advisory network are encouraged to reach out to the organizers via Instagram
(@DisabledRealities) or contact Beth Cox directly at beth@bethcox.co.uk.