Let’s dive into a quick overview of a book featuring AAC:
Book Title: Looking Through My Eyes
Author: Lydia Dawley; illustrated by Jennifer Hyles
Published in 2022
Age Range: 7 – 11 years+
Book Type: picture book (autobiography)
How AAC is Featured: Lydia Dawley is an AAC user and assistive technology entrepreneur. This book is an earnest and authentic account of her experience growing up with mixed cerebral palsy. It includes her use of many types of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)!
Lydia walks us through her experience of communicating and how many different techniques have worked for her (as well as some that didn’t, like bumping her mom with her walker!). She received her first high-tech AAC system when she was four-years-old. She describes her many experiences with high-tech communication devices. She highlights using literacy to help her communicate, from typing on a keyboard to writing letters in the air. Lydia also has recommendations for communication partners. And anecdotes about her life and interests, including diverse activities like physical therapy and showing goats at the county fair!
Jennifer Hyles’s (of Drawn to AAC) artwork brings warmth and character to the text. It showcases Lydia’s personality alongside her mobility and communication aids.
Overall Recommendation
Looking Through My Eyes is a highly accessible and affirming read for late elementary-aged children and their communities. Lydia Dawley’s lived experience shines as genuine, hopeful, and empowering. It would be a great way to support classroom or home discussions about
- AAC,
- friendship, and
- classroom inclusion.
Further Resources
Lydia Dawley continues to contribute to AAC education through podcasts, presentations, and assistive device advocacy (including co‑creating the NadPen stylus to support fine motor access for AAC users!). Highlighting her successes can be a great way to follow up on the hopes and dreams she presents in her book. She did it, and is a role model for any ambitious young AAC users in your life!
Lydia also wrote the book Looking Through My Eyes: Preschool Edition for ages 3 – 6.
Have you read this book? What did you think of it?
Share your comments or questions.