From Deseret News archives:
Faulty fables Kids' books show disabilities inaccurately, Y. experts say
But the portrayal of disabilities such as dwarfism in Caldecott books, at times have not accurately represented real-life disabilities, according to Tina T. Dyches and Mary Anne Prater, professors of counseling psychology and special education at Brigham Young University.
In the study "Portrayal of Disabilities in Caldecott Books," published in the online education journal, Teaching Exceptional Children Plus, the professors say characters with disabilities in children's books are not fairly represented and that some of the books reinforce negative stereotypes and misrepresent prevalent disabilities.
"We realize that many of the books are based on fairy tales, which have endings far different from real life," said Dyches. "A discussion at the end of the book can help children understand how the book deviates from reality."
The Randolph J. Caldecott Medal has been given since 1938 by the American Library Association to an American picture book for children. Caldecott winners often benefit from increased book sales and, for the most part, can expect longevity in the industry.
Dyches said the disabilities that are depicted are apparent like blindness or a physical impediment that would cause a limp. The most common disabilities, however, such as learning or speech impairments, aren't seen in the books.
"The Caldecott winners are, by and large, wonderful books that students, parents and teachers rightly cherish," said Prater. "We are merely saying that this is an issue that requires some attention."
In their study, the BYU professors give teachers tips and questions they can ask students after reading a Caldecott book that contains a character with a disability. They say these questions can create discussions about disabilities and clear up any misrepresentations that could be seen in the book.
For their report, Dyches and Prater examined all of the Caldecott Medal-winning books from 1938 to 2005. They identified that 11 books feature notable characters with disabilities. An example of a Caldecott book included in their study was "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," which won the award in 1939.
Comments
BYU professors Tina Dyches and Mary Anne Prater participate in awarding the Dolly Gray Award for Children's Literature in Developmental Disabilities. Their study says portrayals of disabilities in Caldecott Medal-winning picture books are often inaccurate and that some reinforce negative stereotypes.
- El Salvador flooding kills 8 Mormons 2:12 p.m.
- Denzel Washington set for 'Fences' 2:12 p.m.
- People's Choice Awards nominees 2:10 p.m.
- Ex-Bear Stearns managers not guilty 1:54 p.m.
- Jeter, Teixeira win Gold Gloves 1:54 p.m.
- Obama salutes Fort Hood victims 1:53 p.m.
- D-Will, Price sit out Jazz practice 1:11 p.m.
- Utah Jazz: 2010 NBA All-Star ballot 1:09 p.m.
- Ex-astronaut pleads guilty in attack 1:01 p.m.
- Mo. governor's mansion lockdown 1:01 p.m.
- Utah group finds homes for orphans
- Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
- Jazz blow big lead, hang on
- Senators want food tax restored
- Y. tight ends talented tandem
- Utes get extra motivation
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Soccer MVPs know how to win
- Price injured; Miles has cast removed
- BYU soccer incident still popular
- House passes health care bill
242 - TCU showdown has big implications
185 - Lobo suspended
183 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Senators want food tax restored
136 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
104 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89
Does this third bailout to Government Motors mean more of our limited tax...
I just want to say i have had the pleasure to coach Kealia. I so happy for...
I say, if we are going to pass a health care bill, let's be smart about it....
Should I be upset at my ancestors for coming to the USA from Britain? I had...
Were there any Muslims attacked? ============= Dude, where have you been?...
To "jackhp | 12:00 p.m. " so what you are saying is that it is better to for...
RE Looking Back | 6:50 a.m. You are only seeing the part of history that...
'Just what we need another law which duplicates law already on the books.' ...
We are cheering because we barely won in NY? Oh how far this franchise has...
They are like little kids licking popcicles and playing playstation vidio...


You can be the first to comment on this story.