Books for determined ones in spotlight at New Delhi festival
Highlighting challenges faced by young people with disabilities in finding relevant content to read, the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) has exhibited a selection of books at the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2019, which runs until January 13.
The exhibition, ‘outstanding books for young people with disabilities’, is part of Sharjah’s cultural programme as the fair’s guest of honour. It aims to “sensitise both publishers and visitors” about the challenges faced by young people with disabilities in finding accessible and high-quality content in terms of both language and design.
The exhibition is in line with NDWBF 2019’s theme, ‘books for readers with special needs’, to which the fair organisers — National Book Trust (NBT) — have dedicated a pavilion to project efforts and achievements of the special needs community in India to develop a better understanding about them.
The UAEBBY has exhibited a selection of 20 English titles from the International Board on Books for Young People’s (IBBY) 2015 and 2017 collections put together by the board’s national sections.
Marwa Obaid Al Aqroubi, President of the UAEBBY, said: “Our participation at the NDWBF 2019 as part of Sharjah’s delegation is aimed at discussing ways to facilitate access to quality content and varied titles to young people with disabilities. Currently, there is a shortage of titles that appeals to their taste or fulfills their needs.
“For that purpose, we brought this international travelling exhibition to India, to increase awareness among families, and academic and cultural organisations in this part of the world.”
The exhibition included books designed in formats such as Blissymbol, Picture Communication Symbols, Braille, sign language, tactile and textile books. It also contains novels featuring young people with disabilities as key characters, protagonists and heroes. Books catering to adults with developmental delays, language disabilities or reading difficulties, were also on display.