World Book Day: Opening Every Book to Every Learner 

As we get ready to celebrate World Book Day during the National Year of Reading we want to support teachers and parents in embracing this opportunity to inspire learners whilst taking meaningful steps to remove the barriers that prevent those with physical needs from accessing text in the same way as their peers. Every learner deserves to fully participate and experience the joy and independence that reading brings. 

Research from the Department for Education (2012) highlights that 80% of learners most enjoyed books they had chosen themselves. It is important to give all learners access to written text in ways that feel natural, personally meaningful, and genuinely chosen by them. This reinforces the need to offer all learners opportunities to engage with personally relevant text, whether books, cereal boxes, magazines or leaflets.  

For learners with physical needs, a range of simple adaptations can support independent reading. These include adding page fluffers to help separate pages or stabilising books to support the learner in turning the pages of a book independently.  Using everyday household items such as pom poms, pegs, lolly sticks, coat hangers, or music and recipe stands means these modifications need not be costly yet they can make a significant difference to a learner’s independence and engagement. 

If learners continue to face challenges accessing printed text, assistive technology (AT) can provide alternative routes to success. Access methods may include direct touch, rollerballs, joysticks, switches or eye‑gaze systems. Collaboration with the learner’s multidisciplinary team is essential to identify the most reliable and least fatiguing access method. Once identified, a world of accessible digital books becomes available.  

One such resource is Monarch Reader, a free web‑based library offering accessible, customisable e‑books with simplified text, supportive visuals and AT‑friendly navigation. It enables learners to explore books created by others or produce personalised books, such as stories about their pets, which can significantly boost motivation and engagement. 

Katy, our Partnerships and Consultancy Manager, has even created an example story about her dog Archie, demonstrating the platform’s potential. Monarch Reader also allows adjustments to access settings and visual presentation to meet each learner’s individual needs.  

Also check out these websites which offer access to free digital books:  

• Unite for Literacy: a free online digital bookshelf offering books in over 40 languages 

• Epic: online and app-based books that are free to educators during school hours     

If you are supporting a learner who uses AAC be sure to check out built in books within their system such as:  

• Read with Me in Grid 3 and Grid for iPad 

• Boardmaker Bookshelf in TD Snap  

When creating or choosing books here are some helpful hints: 

• Avoid symbolising the text so that learners can fully immerse themselves in the text on the page.  

• Offer options across a wide range of topics and interests so learners can engage with content that feels relevant, motivating, and meaningful to them. 

• Give learners the freedom to select books that genuinely interest them, and reassure them that it’s okay to set a book aside if it doesn’t capture their attention. 

• Re-reading the same text repeatedly is perfectly fine, choice and familiarity can be deeply motivating. 

To learn more about AAC and literacy, you can download our Getting Started with AAC and Literacy leaflet or join one of the Ace Centre Learning courses. 

Written by Meaghan Ebbage-Taylor, senior AAC Consultant at Ace Centre. She has over a decade of teaching experience in mainstream and special education, supporting pupils with Speech, Language and Communication Needs, using both paper-based and electronic AAC. Meaghan co-authored AAC and Aided Language in the Classroom and is passionate about AAC literacy, presuming competence, and ensuring all learners have opportunities to read and write.