A Content Analysis of Upper Limb Differences in Children's Books

• In Event: Special and Inclusive Education Research SIG: Spotlight on Special and Inclusive Education 1

Abstract

Approximately 1,500 children are born with upper limb differences (ULDs) each year in the United States. Recently, public media attention has brought a greater awareness of individuals with upper limb differences (ULDs), but educational research on the PreK-12 experiences, available curricular materials, and effective educational strategies are lacking for this group of people. Researchers in this study identified and performed a content analysis of 24 children’s books with characters with ULDs. Findings indicated more books were being published recently, that they represented a number of genres, and were largely informative about experiences of people with ULDs. A discussion of the missing features of the books, and recommendations for teachers to select quality books for students, is offered.

Authors

• Vincent R. Genareo, Salisbury University

• Amber Meyer, Salisbury University