By telling the whole story in pictures, Books Beyond
Words titles help people to prepare for an event or to deal
with something that has happened. People are able to relate the
pictures to their own experiences, without being distracted or
confused by accompanying text. The pictures share information and
show procedures, but they also illustrate emotions relevant to the
topic or experience.
Supporting information, as text, is provided at the back of
each book. A suggested storyline gives one interpretation of
what is taking place. Guidelines are also provided for carers,
supporters and professionals, including notes on how to use the
book together with useful resources and organisations that may help
with particular problems. The guidelines may include a glossary of
special terms.
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“These books are an excellent way of promoting discussion about
difficult topics.”
- Communication
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“…expressions, body language and colours spell
out clear, unambiguous messages.”
- TES Extra for Special
Needs
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"The Books Beyond Words series works
because people with a learning disability and professionals work
together as equals in producing them." -
Viewpoint
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The following are some ideas supporters have found helpful
when using Books Beyond Words with people who have
intellectual disabilities:
- Sit down beside the person you are supporting and offer them
the book, asking them to turn the pages themselves.
- Read it just like any other book. Start at the beginning and
read the story in each picture. Then read the text, but please
don't read the text to the person or group of people you are
supporting.
- People will take the meaning they need from each picture. If
possible, encourage them to tell the story as they see
it.
- Consider which pictures might be most relevant to the person
you are supporting.
- Depending on the response of the person you are supporting,
prompt them to say what is happening. For example:
- Who do you think that is?
- What is happening?
- How is (s)he feeling now?
- Do you feel like that?
Their responses will help you to judge how much they have
understood, and to know what is important to them.
- Don't feel that you have to use the whole book in one sitting.
Allow the person enough time to follow the pictures at his or her
own pace.
- Provide as much support and reassurance as is needed by the
people you are supporting, and answer their questions
honestly.
- Some people will not be able to follow the story, but they may
be able to understand some of the pictures. Stay with the pictures
they feel able to work from.
An example:
These pictures from Going to the Doctor show Ann Smith needing to
have her ears syringed.
Here the nurse is using the book to explain what she is going to
do. The third picture illustrates 'consent' by showing Ann deciding
whether she will agree to have the recommended procedure.