Columnist- Ciara Lawrence
Growing up with a learning disability, I never wanted to read, and I didn’t understand books. Now, I’m the voice behind three audiobooks, as part of efforts by Sweet Cherry Publishing to make stories accessible and enjoyable for disabled children.
I narrated their easy-read, accessible versions of three classic novels – Frankenstein, Moby Dick and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (a personal favourite of mine).
Sweet Cherry Publishing reached out to me about some audiobook work for their new imprint, Every Cherry. They were creating adapted and accessible books for people within the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) community. Every Cherry is a response to the need for authentic representation and genuine accessibility in literature.
It’s wonderful that they decided to use me, a person with a learning disability, to read and record their books and to see a publishing company ensure that all children have the opportunity to find stories that they can enjoy and understand. I’m so proud to be a part of this revolution in accessible literature.
The Sweet Cherry team made me feel so comfortable and truly understood the support that I needed and I think they also really learned from me, as a person who has a learning disability.
I’ve been on TV and radio and have my own podcast, but I’ve never done anything like this before. It was wonderful to gain a new skill, to meet new people and to have a new experience. I had so much fun recording the books. I’d never read Frankenstein or Moby Dick, so it was great to read and record stories that I hadn’t really known about before. But when I found out I’d be reading and recording The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, I was ready to channel my inner Dorothy!
I must’ve watched the film a hundred times growing up. I loved it then and still love it now. There’s just something magical about that story, watching Dorothy go on an adventure, and the people she meets along the way. I couldn’t wait to put my own stamp on being Dorothy. I’m a huge Judy Garland fan and I wish she were alive so I could send the audiobook to her. It meant so much to me.
It’s important for people with a learning disability to be represented in the media, not just on the screen or on the radio, but being part of books or seen in our theatres and being more visible in our popular culture. When I was younger, I rarely saw anyone like me in popular culture and it’s important this doesn’t happen to the next generation.
I’d love to record more books; maybe Oliver Twist next? I really hope other publishing companies see this incredible work and do the same.
Visit: www.everycherry.com
About Ciara Lawrence
Ciara Lawrence is a well-known learning disability campaigner and a Shaw Trust Power 100 influencer. She has written for The Guardian, The Huffington Post, and The Independent.
Search ‘Ciara’s pink sparkle podcast’ via Google.
There are currently 1.5 million people in the UK living with a learning disability, Mencap is here to help them live life to the fullest: www.mencap.org.uk
