Budding artists help spread the valuable messages of inclusion, participation, diversity and acceptance
An educational children’s storybook featuring the artwork of Western Australian primary school students was officially launched by Therapy Focus on Friday 26th August to coincide with National Children’s Book Week.
The storybook has been produced as part of Therapy Focus’ 9th annual Help a Child Grow Art Competition, which invited primary schools students to illustrate the pages of two age-appropriate narrative stories that help educate children about disability and highlight the unique talents and qualities of every individual.
Almost 3,500 children from schools as far North as Karratha and as far South as Albany took part in this year’s competition, working both individually and in pairs to create their works of art.
Of the thousands of entries received, 35 winning artworks were selected to feature as illustrations in this year’s storybook, which has been published as a flipbook comprising the two titles; I Am Special for lower primary and Jarrah’s Jigsaw for upper primary.
With the support of event sponsor Karrinyup Shopping Centre, the 54 winning children were recognised for their efforts at an official Book Launch function at Karrinyup’s Centre Court. Some guests travelled from as far as Lancelin, Geraldton, Albany and even Karratha to attend.
“We are so excited to have launched the fourth book in our Help a Child Grow series. Each year it is an absolute pleasure to see children throughout Western Australia embrace the key messages of this project and help Therapy Focus positively raise the profile of people with disabilities through a fun and engaging medium like a storybook”, Tonia Westmore, Executive Manager of Community and Relationship Development at Therapy Focus said.
Therapy Focus patron and former Paralympian, Priya Cooper officially unveiled I Am Special / Jarrah’s Jigsaw, giving a moving speech and awarding the winning children with a prize pack and framed copy of their published artwork.
For the first time a DVD providing e-book and digital talking book versions of I Am Special / Jarrah’s Jigsaw in English and various other languages has been produced and is available with the storybook.
The DVD enhances educational value and improves accessibility, particularly for children and families of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CaLD). Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) formatting, commonly used by people with disabilities to read texts, has also been provided.
Copies of I Am Special / Jarrah's Jigsaw are now available for purchase via the Therapy Focus online store.
Thanks to the support of this year’s Art Competition sponsors; Disability Services Commission, WA Department for Communities and Bendigo Bank, a free copy of the storybook will be provided to every participating primary school.