Books Beyond Words and Disrupt – 8 Years and Counting

Books Beyond Words – Case study

Perhaps more accurately, that should read “8 years and reading”—a reflection of the long-standing partnership between Books Beyond Words and Disrupt. For nearly a decade, the two organisations have worked together to help others better understand and use the unique Life Picture Books created for people with learning disabilities.

Founded over 30 years ago by Baroness Sheila Hollins, Books Beyond Words produces word-free books designed to empower individuals with learning disabilities and additional communication needs. These books support people in understanding and expressing their feelings, making sense of the world around them, and participating more fully in decisions about their lives.

For organisations and charities using these resources, it is essential to understand how to use them effectively—whether running sessions, facilitating discussions, or delivering structured programmes centred around the wide range of life topics the books address.

With this in mind, almost 10 years ago the founders of Books Beyond Words and Disrupt came together (initially, as they recall, in the House of Lords) to explore how digital learning could enhance practitioner training and organisational capability.

The focus was on strengthening the teaching process—creating courses that build understanding and promote best practice in using the books across schools, book clubs, and development settings. These programmes were designed to be accessible to professional support practitioners and volunteers nationwide.

Years on, and across an ever-growing range of books and sectors, Books Beyond Words now benefits from a fully scalable and sustainable solution. The organisation is able to create, deliver, and manage its own digital learning programmes, with only light-touch support from the Disrupt team when needed.

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We are proud to partner with Books Beyond Words and to have played a role in helping extend the reach and impact of these life-changing resources.

This collaboration is another example of how Disrupt supports inclusion and social responsibility through innovative learning solutions.

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