Speaking Up for Myself (Books Beyond Words S.) Book

Having a learning disability and also being from an ethnic minority group feels like a 'double whammy' because it can make it even more difficult to get good services. The people in this story show how these difficulties can be overcome. In the first part three friends get what they want in a cafe by being assertive and not giving up easily.The second part tells the story of a young woman who is having problems dealing with her bank. It shows that if people are not satisfied with the way they are treated, or with the service they are given, then they need not deal with it on their own. Someone they trust can be brought in to help them.'The excellent Books Beyond Words series encourages client empowerment in a dynamic way.'- British Journal of Learning Disabilities What are Books Beyond Words? Few picture books are available for adults and adolescents who cannot read or who have difficulty reading. Fewer still provide information and address the emotional aspects of difficult events like the Books Beyond Words series. Each specially commissioned book actively addresses the problems of understanding that people with learning and communication difficulties experience. The stories are told through colour pictures that include mime and body language, to communicate simple, explicit messages. These help 'readers' to cope with emotions and events such as going to the doctor, bereavement, sexual abuse and depression. People with learning disabilities trial every single picture before publication to ensure they can be readily understood. Supporting text and guidelines are given at the back of each book. The authors are all experts in their fields. Lists of resources and helpful organisations are provided where appropriate. 'This series has established the highest reputation for tackling complex and difficult issues, clearly, compassionately and with considerable skill.' - Viewpoint (Mencap) 'Books Beyond Words offer a useful resource for prompting discussion on a variety of issues.' - Communication Who should use Books Beyond Words? Books Beyond Words can be used by: Anyone who understands pictures better than words. People with learning or communication difficulties. People with literacy problems. People for whom English is a second language when an interpreter is not available. Anyone who speaks a different language. Relatives, friends, supporters and advocates. Teachers, social workers, health and legal professionals, police officers. 'These books are powerful interpretive tools for anyone who works with people with developmental disabilities' - Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 'The acid test for these publications has to be whether or not one would find them useful in clinical practice... my own answer would be an unequivocal 'Yes'. - Journal of Intellectual Disability ResearchBy telling the whole story in pictures, Books Beyond Words titles help people to prepare for an event or to deal with something that has happened. People are able to relate the pictures to their own experiences, without being distracted or confused by accompanying text. The pictures share information and show procedures, but they also illustrate emotions relevant to the topic or experience. Supporting information, as text, is provided at the back of each book. A suggested storyline gives one interpretation of what is taking place. Also available:Falling in Love (Books Beyond Words) - ISBN 1901242323Young People and Substance Misuse - ISBN 1904671012Read More