About the Project

Reflecting Disability was initially launched as a pilot scheme in October 2023 with the intent of exploring the representation of disabled people in children's books for 3–11 year-olds.

The project has been led by disabled people and aims to support publishers and creators in their efforts in representing disabled people in the books.

The project builds on the existing annual Reflecting Realities research. Reflecting Realities is run by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) with funding from Arts Council England (ACE). The study aims to quantify and evaluate ethnic representation in UK children’s literature. Reflecting Disability aims to develop an equivalent study into disability representation.

A group of school children reading books

“I want there to be data that supports the need for disability representation in children's literature and to amplify the voices of disabled people, so that all young people can find themselves represented on bookshelves. I'm proud to be part of this much needed initiative.”

Lisette Auton, Author