For Children with Disabilities, Access to Reading Materials Can Be a Game-Changer

For children with disabilities, access to reading materials that match their age and interests can be a game-changer. Ebooks and audiobooks offer an accessible, flexible way for your child to enjoy stories and learning alongside their peers. With the right tools and guidance, integrating these resources into your child’s daily routine can be simple, beneficial and make reading something your student will look forward to.

If your student has an IEP, the team must consider whether Assistive Technology (AT) could benefit them. This includes an AT assessment, where experts evaluate your student’s needs and recommend tools to support their learning. The IEP team will document whether AT was considered and discuss the best options for your child. If you believe AT could help, ask your IEP team about an assessment. More information on this topic can be found here.

Step 1: Choose the Right Platform

There are numerous platforms offering ebooks and audiobooks tailored for children. Some popular and accessible options include:

• Library Apps – Apps like Libby, OverDrive, and Hoopla allow free access to digital books through your local library. Click here for the SLC county library digital access.

• Educational Subscriptions – Services like Audible, Learning Ally, and Bookshare provide specialized access for children with reading disabilities. Consider talking to your student’s IEP team about what platform your school uses and if this is an accommodation to consider. 

• E-Readers & Apps – Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play Books offer accessibility features such as text-to-speech and font customization.

Step 2: Find the Right Book

• Selecting books that align with your child’s reading level and interests is key to fostering engagement. Look for:
• Books that match their age group while considering their cognitive and language abilities.

• Audiobooks narrated with clear pronunciation and engaging tones.

• Enhanced ebooks that read aloud while highlighting words enabling your student to follow along to support word recognition..

Step 3: Use Accessibility Features

• Ebooks and audiobooks come with built-in accessibility tools that can make reading easier:

• Text-to-Speech (TTS) – Allows the book to be read aloud while highlighting words.

• Adjustable Text & Background – Modify font size, style, and contrast for visual ease.

• Speed Control for Audiobooks – Helps with processing information at a comfortable pace.

Step 4: Encourage Reading Alongside Peers

One of the most significant benefits of digital books is that they allow children to engage in the same stories as their classmates and friends. This inclusion helps:

• Foster social interactions and discussions about books.

• Build confidence as they participate in reading activities at school and home.

• Improve comprehension and vocabulary through multimodal learning.

Step 5: Make Reading a Fun Routine

To build a lifelong love for reading, make it a daily habit:

• Set aside dedicated time for ebooks or audiobooks.

• Listen together and discuss stories to support your student’s comprehension.

• Let your child choose books that excite them, making reading an enjoyable experience. Go to your local library and talk with the librarian who oversees the section for children and adolescents. Talk to them about your child’s interests. They can come up with dozens of book ideas that you may not have known about. You can check out a physical copy and have them look into ebook options along with you.

Why This Matters for Your Child’s Growth

Reading with age-appropriate content not only helps children with disabilities stay connected with their peers, but also fosters cognitive development, language skills, and self-confidence. Ebooks and audiobooks break down barriers, making literature accessible to all children regardless of their challenges.

By taking these simple steps, you can empower your child with the joy of reading, ensuring they thrive alongside their peers in both educational and social settings. Happy reading!