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Books Beyond Words

We empower people through pictures.Our charity co-creates word-free picture stories for people with learning disabilities.Picture stories are accessible to everyone, whether or not you can read words. Every story we write is co-created with people with lived experience and trialled by people with learning disabilities.

About Books Beyond Words


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At Beyond Words, we empower people with learning disabilities through word-free picture stories. Our mission is to transform lives by providing individuals with additional communication needs the tools to express and understand their feelings, learn about new experiences, and actively participate in decisions about their lives.

We take an inclusive, co-creative approach to every project, working alongside people with lived experience at every stage of the story development. This ensures that our books are not only meaningful but also reflect real-life experiences. In collaboration with experts, including clinicians, teachers, and other organizations, we create stories that are accurate, relevant, and accessible.

Our work extends beyond books. We set up Book Clubs that offer people with learning disabilities a space to have fun, make friends, and socialise in a supportive environment. Whether in health and social care, education, or community settings, our word-free books and stories help individuals communicate, understand, and connect with the world around them.

Each of our books undergoes rigorous testing, with up to 100 people with learning disabilities trialling them before they are published. This thoughtful, thorough process ensures that our stories truly make a difference in the lives of those who need them most.

Your Impact

Our books help people to develop their emotional intelligence, vocabulary and talk about their feelings. Our work is helping to break down barriers, build confidence, and empower people with learning disabilities, enabling them to better understand themselves and the world around them while fostering greater inclusion and participation.

£5

Could pay for the printing of a book

£15

Could provide training on how to support others to read our word-free books

£25

Could support a workshop in the story creation process