Faculty of Design

Graphic Design

Zaiah Briscoe

Jaiden Leads the Way - Childrens Book

This story introduces Jaiden, age 19 living with Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18. Extremely rare.Although not his exact disorder is not discussed, the book introduces him as a happy and healthy nonverbal character who communicates by other means. This narrative while inspired by true events portrays the struggles of special needs individuals in a way that easy to digest for children. Jaiden experiences a deep loss of mobility at the beginning of the book. As the story continues it becomes evident that Jaiden is resistant to the idea of using a wheelchair but realizes it’s his only way to remain independent. This story teaches the importance of facing challenges with an open mind, overcoming hardship, welcoming change, and the power in diversity. The goal of telling this story is to bridge relatability between children with mental/physical differences and understanding the true the power of being unique.

“RESEARCH QUESTION: “How can integrating characters with disabilities in children’s media, impact their experience with physical and mental differences in others.___________________________________________________________________________WHY A BOOK?Choosing to tell this story in the form of a storybook I believe is the best medium to encourage the best interactivity between children and parents. Addressing a complex issue in a fun engaging way is proven to be the most effective way of learning while developing important character traits early on. Introducing special needs characters to children early on I believe establishes a level compassion and empathy to this community that may not be developed otherwise. Unfortunately, the typical the gut reaction for children when seeing someone who is disabled is to think they’re weird, or strange. Curbing that thought process as early as possible is my ultimate goal with the integration of special needs characters in children’s media. They’re just like you or me!____________________________________________________________________________WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF A STORY LIKE THIS?As children enter a world where they will be interacting and experiencing people of all kinds, I believe it is important to tell stories of unique individuals from an empathetic perspective in a way that is relatable to both children and adults. As 20% of people living Canada identify with at least one disability. Growing up in an environment where you are guaranteed to be interacting with mental health I believe it’s important to introduce this topic as early as possible to insure a deep understanding of mental health and disabilities and remove stigma. ____________________________________________________________________________This story has potential to work as an important tool for children and adults going through similar circumstances whether it be an injury, illness or learning to overcome a difficult challenge in a unique fun way.”