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    • Home
    • About Us
    • Children's Books
    • Children's Chapter Books
    • Young Adult Books
    • Adult Books
    • Get Involved
    • DBW Resources
    • Educator Resources
    • Community Partners
    • Submit a Book for Review
    • In the Media
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Children's Books
  • Children's Chapter Books
  • Young Adult Books
  • Adult Books
  • Get Involved
  • DBW Resources
  • Educator Resources
  • Community Partners
  • Submit a Book for Review
  • In the Media

Mission Statement

Disability Book Week is dedicated to celebrating and promoting disability-inclusive literature that authentically represents the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities. Disability Book Week amplifies voices, challenges stereotypes, educates, and fosters a culture of understanding and inclusion through the power of storytelling.

Vision Statement

Highlighting books that feature characters with disabilities to create a more inclusive literary landscape—one where everyone can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Through inclusive literature, we can build a world that embraces diversity, encourages empathy, and values the contributions of all. 

eXecutive Director

Lindsey Larsen, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS

  

I am Lindsey Larsen, a mother, occupational therapist, instructor, author, and military spouse. 


My oldest daughter survived a massive stroke at birth, resulting in a variety of disabilities. She brings absolute joy to everyone who interacts with her! 


Having the deep desire for others to understand her and engage with her, as well as having witnessed the powerful impact a quick conversation about disabilities or medical conditions can have, I published my first children’s book to educate young children and their caregivers about disabilities and inclusion. 


Disability-inclusive books have an amazing dual ability that goes beyond education! Diversity in literature also allows all individuals to identify with characters. It is really no surprise to me that my favorite adult novel includes a character who happens to be a mother of a child with disabilities! We should all have books we can relate to!


It is an honor to help propel the important message of disability inclusion and diversity in literature forward!

Director of Creative Content

Rebecca Seligson

Rebecca created Wheellustrated Tales in 2021 to write and publish picture books with the goal of normalizing disabilities in children’s literature. 


Rebecca has since published two books in "The Adventures of Incredi-Wheels & Triple S" Series - "The Mysterious Missing Book" & "The Lemonade League" (which have both been translated to Hebrew). 


She holds degrees in both Early Childhood Education (B.A. Yeshiva University) & Literacy (M.A. Teachers College, Columbia University), and has experience teaching English as a Second Language.


Originally from New York, Rebecca now lives in Modi’in, Israel with her husband and two children. 

director of media

Rebecca Eisenberg, MS, CCC-SLP

Rebecca Eisenberg is a certified speech and language pathologist (SLP) dedicated to helping individuals with complex communication needs across the lifespan. 


As a children's book author and literacy advocate, she is passionate about creating and sharing children’s literature featuring characters with diverse abilities and differences. 


She has created numerous games and workbooks published by Super Duper Publications. Explore her work at www.lifeskills2learn.com.

director of community outreach and advocacy

Maribel Leos

 I am a mother of two sons. My oldest son recently graduated from McMurry University, while my youngest son is currently attending IDEA Public School. He is a young man with disabilities and medical needs who takes an active role in advocating for himself as a self-advocate and leader, serving as a Texas Youth Ambassador.


I am happily married to my high school sweetheart, who works as a Deputy Sheriff with the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office. Currently, I serve as the President of the Texas Partners in Policymaking Alumni Program. I have received training from the University of Texas at Austin on supporting children with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities who have experienced trauma, through a program provided by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.


I have had the pleasure of educating parents on advocating for their children with disabilities at both the state and local levels. Additionally, I am a graduate of the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and serve as a Board Member for the City of Brownsville’s Special Needs Advisory Board. I also act as a Grant Review Panel Member for the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and am a member of the IDEA Advocacy Team. Currently, I am a Board Member for BiG Heroes, Inc. BiG Heroes provides continued post-high school learning experiences to young adults with disabilities and will provide the necessary tools to help each member reach their maximum potential in life.


I actively advocate at both the state and federal levels, including at the Texas State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Brownsville.

Founder

Mary Mecham

Thank you for your interest in this exciting project!


I have two children with rare genetic disorders. They are non-verbal, have moderate intellectual disability, brittle bones, metabolic disorders, and are the absolute sweetest girls you will ever meet, with smiles that light up the room.


I want every person, disabled or not, to find a character they can identify with. I want children to be exposed to books that normalize disability and understand that every life is valuable. Finally, I wanted and opportunity to cheer on authors with disabilities in their careers! Supported by an outstanding team of disability advocates, I present: Disability Book Week, a celebration of disability inclusion and diversity in literature!


Happy Reading!




Disability Book Week was Founded in 2021

Image of Founder, Mary Mecham, holding a Proclamation for Disability Book Week

Meet the volunteers!!

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Our Partners

Wheellustrated Tales
Life Skills 2 Learn
  • Wheellustrated Tales
  • Life Skills 2 Learn
  • Wheellustrated Tales
  • Life Skills 2 Learn

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