Keylonda’s kids-friendly book talks about disability inclusion and acceptance. The story revolves around a friendship between two girls where one happens to use a wheelchair. Keylonda’s aim is that parents, caregivers, and educators can use this book to start conversations about disabilities with children.

Can you tell us about the idea behind your book “Nia Skye's Friend on Wheels”?K: I wrote the book to help parents, caregivers, and educators begin conversations with children they love about disabilities. It was important to me to provide a model for my children and other children of a genuine friendship between a physically disabled child and an able-bodied child. I was inspired by children I interacted with in my work as a speech-language pathologist, my daughter who loves superheroes, and my own friendship with my late friend, Alice, who used a wheelchair.
The mission behind this first book in the Inclusive K.R.E.W.E. (Kindness, respect, embracement, wisdom, and equity) series is to help parents and educators raise what I call “straight A” scholars. A “straight A” scholar understands and demonstrates:
Awareness of disabilities, both visible and invisible,
Acceptance of those that are different from themselves,
Appreciation of similarities as well as differences when meeting new people,
Advocacy for disabled people,
Allyship by amplifying voices of disabled friends,
Accessibility in the places they go, and
Action when something is not fair.

Who can benefit from reading this book?K: I wrote this book with children ages five to eight years old in mind. Emerging readers would be best supported by shared reading with a proficient reader. I must say that one of my youngest supporters is just three years old and her mom says she’s obsessed with this book! Anyone who would like to increase their understanding of disability inclusion with a simple model of how to be an ally should read this book.

How did you come up with the main characters in your book? Which of their qualities do you love the most and why?K: Nia Skye is based on my now six year old daughter. She is such a kind child who cherishes friendship and loves all things superhero. I love that her superpower isn’t so obvious and develops during the story. Ariyah is a fictional character that I wanted to be amazingly talented and full of courage. It was important to me that she valued friendship just as much as Nia Skye. She enjoys many of the same things lots of children do but just so happens to use a power wheelchair to get around her school and community. I love that Ariyah is a natural encourager just like me!

What are some of the effective tools to address challenges for students with disabilities?K: I am in a continuous process of learning and unlearning in order to best support students with disabilities. I have found that considering students’ needs as individuals rather than just the labels of their diagnoses is most effective. Including the desires of students and their families in their plans of care along with the expertise of health and educational professionals is key. Students need a dedicated team or village that’s willing to work collaboratively to make the environment and education accessible for them. For so long, we have made decisions for disabled people without including them and now is the time to change that.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?K: Recognize the ways they communicate (whether speaking, non speaking, gestures, or using devices) and amplify their voices. Empower children by focusing on their strengths and the things that are amazing about them. Affirm the beautiful qualities in them just like Nia Skye did with Ariyah in the book! Lastly, share with them positive representations of disabled people in books, tv, film, and everyday life.