Learning Disability Today
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Beyond Words has launched its latest word-free book, co-authored by people with learning disabilities.
The Cheeky Seagull is set on the Kent Coast, in a town based on Deal, its high street, market and daily life. It is a follow-up to the picture book “A Day at the Beach,” as readers wanted to know what the seagull did next.
To create the book, Beyond Words collaborated with Folkestone and Deal Beyond Words Book Clubs to develop “A Cheeky Seagull” through drama and discussion. The groups used wings to act out flying, took photos of seagulls, and created pictures—all to help members with the most complex needs participate.
Following the engagement of 30 members from the Book Clubs, five people with learning disabilities helped develop the narrative. They generated scenes in the unfolding narrative that keep readers guessing as to the seagull’s true personality.
After the images were created, the wholly picture-based story was trialled by almost 160 people with great feedback.
Beyond Words helps people with learning disabilities connect with the world
Co-author Julie said: “I feel really proud of helping Books Beyond Words to create their books. It was really good to do and it’s a brilliant story for Book Clubs to read together.”
Will, another co-author, added: “We asked What’s the seagull going to do next? And he’s causing mayhem in town. My favourite bit is when the seagull poops on somebody’s head. The group became very animated as they started to follow the thread. There was a great deal of sharing and laughter.”
Visual literacy and accessible storytelling are at the heart of Beyond Words, which has a network of over 100 Book Clubs across the country funded by the National Lottery.
It is a UK-based charity dedicated to empowering people with learning disabilities and communication difficulties through word-free books, helping them share their stories and connect with the world.
The resources—books, leaflets, and an app—are recommended in the Oliver McGowan training, and the picture stories are used by NHS trusts, health workers, social workers, librarians and schools.
The founder of Beyond Words, Professor Sheila, the Baroness Hollins, said: “We are so proud to be launching this new title, created by members of our Beyond Words bookclubs in Kent. The universal language of pictures brings creative arts together with collective storytelling to support the wellbeing of people with learning disabilities.”
