Beyond Words Founder, Baroness Sheila Hollins, Beyond Words Director Barry Carpenter and Leeds University’s Jo Egerton have written an article highlighting the benefit that our book clubs are having for people with learning disabilities. The article, titled ‘Book clubs for people with LD – evidence and impact on wellbeing and community participation of reading wordless books’, will be published in the journal ‘Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities’.
The article offers substantial research into the huge difference book clubs are making in the lives of people with learning disabilities, looking at both the social and scientific basis behind the idea. Using pictures rather than words has been proven to promote shared reading, removing an element of apprehension and creating a forum for discussion. Along with acting as an effective educational tool, book clubs cement the concept of social inclusion and community, something many have been excluded from throughout their lives.
The positive feedback received from current book club facilitators has been overwhelming, one facilitator said the book club was “very inclusive, involving and empowering”, all central themes of our philosophy. These book clubs give people with learning disabilities the confidence to express their own views in a safe environment. We are excited to continue setting up book clubs around the country!
If you are interested in setting up your own book club, or would simply like to learn more, please contact our training manager at training@booksbeyondwords.co.uk
The pre-published version of the journal article can be purchased here.