There are 35,000 deaf children in the UK and some 24,000 children under 16 in England, Scotland and Wales whose severe sight probems affect their education (according to RNIB estimates).
If your child has problems with their sight or hearing, you might wonder how to make sure they get the right books to suit their needs.
Bookstart, part of the national charity that encourages people of all ages to discover and enjoy reading, has produced a new pack called Bookshine, offering free books and information specifically designed to suit the needs of deaf children aged 0-5 years.
It already provides Booktouch packs for blind and partially sighted children.
Alex Strick, Bookstart's consultant on disability, explains, 'Many conventional books are great for children who are blind/partially sighted or deaf, however some are more relevant/effective than others.
'Bookshine and Booktouch point parents towards particularly good examples. For example, a very simple board book might have little to interest a blind children, whereas one with 'crinkly' pages, interesting shapes and textures, etc, can prove much more meaningful and entertaining.
'Sometimes the themes or language featured in a book might be confusing or less relevant to a child who has sensory impairment. Also, parents/carers often need to know how to 'share' books with their child and what they can do to encourage and support their children's enjoyment of books, so the packs also give plenty of specialist advice and information in this respect. '
What sort of books should you look for if your child has problems with their sight or hearing?
Alex says, 'Many books for young children are fantastic. However, if children are blind/partially sighted or deaf, books which provide stimulation of the other senses are of course particularly valuable. So 'touch and feel' books are ideal for both, as they provide plenty of tactile interest.
'For blind/partially sighted children, touch and feel books should ideally include 'meaningful' shapes and textures - for example fur in the shape of a recognisable animal rather than a random patch. In the case of blind children, books which make noises add extra interest. For children with limited sight, books need to have bold, clear, uncluttered images.
'Deaf children also need plenty of bright, colourful visual interest and books about everyday routines and familiar environments can also be particularly good.
'Plus, all children like to 'find' themselves in books, so it can be worth looking out for books and characters which a child can relate to. Positive images are important and some baby books feature children with hearing aids.'
Encouraging your child to enjoy books is important whether they have a disability or not.
Says Alex, 'Early familiarity with books is proven to help children's future learning and confidence levels. Books can help all children (including deaf and blind children) to develop their language and communication skills.
'The right books can help children to explore and understand the world around them. Sharing books with a young child is also a warm, safe, comforting activity for parent/carer and child alike.'
The Bookstart packs were developed in close partnership with relevant experts, specialists and parents. They provide quality books chosen for the children in question, plus a booklet of advice and information about other great books to enjoy as well as other resources.
Visit the Bookstart website www.bookstart.org.uk for more information.
