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'Special needs pupils deserve more inclusive books'

BBC Child and adult reading a bookBBC
Emma Steel's book series includes classic tales like Frankenstein

A former Leicestershire teacher who taught children with special educational needs says she would love to see more inclusivity in the publishing world.

Emma Steel, who worked for 17 years in teaching, has launched a range of accessible versions of classic novels, such as Frankenstein and A Christmas Carol, for students.

The books incorporate senses, signs and images to cater for students with special educational needs.

They are now being rolled out in educational settings.

Woman in front of bookcase
Teacher Georgia Varney called for other publishers to follow suit

"I often would be asked to teach classics as part of the English curriculum but these books were not adapted for my students to access," said Ms Steel, whose publishing company is called Every Cherry.

"These formats are so important for people with learning disabilities. As a society, we are getting more inclusive, but we need to consider what these children need if they are to access these books.

"A lot of people use reading as a form of escapism. We've worked with people who are disabled, and they have given us their input. It's a massive thing.

"I would love to see adapted books in so many different formats, so people with disabilities can walk into a library and pick up a book that they can enjoy with independence and empowerment."

The titles are now being rolled out in educational settings such as Ellesmere College, a special school in Braunstone, Leicestershire.

Staff at the school, which provides support for students aged four to 19, have called on other publishers to consider the needs of those living with learning disabilities.

"There should be no limitations for any child who wants to read a book. They should be able to access what they want to read," said Georgia Varney, a teacher who has worked at Ellesmere College for three years.

"It allows the children to still enjoy the book, with accessible language. That's what we want for all the children we teach."

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