First Five Forever Celebrates Inclusion with Special Guest Author

Yesterday, Tuesday 3 December, marked this year’s commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In celebration, the Toowoomba Region Libraries First 5 Forever community program met today and invited guest author Eileen O’Hely to read her latest book ‘Aisling and Amelia’.

The famous children’s author’s latest book highlights the importance of inclusivity by telling a tale about how participation of all people in dance, regardless of their body type and abilities, can bring people together.

The book illustrates a young person’s experience of attending ballet classes and being partnered with a ballerina who was born without a foot. The book explores the topic of how children perceive others with a difference and how people with differences overcome obstacles every day.

Councillor Melissa Taylor said it was imperative the First 5 Forever group was spreading awareness of this important calendar day.

“Diversity and inclusivity are important messages to share with our young children, especially because every one in five Australian’s have a disability,” Cr Taylor said.

International Day of People with Disability is an opportunity to shift the conversation around disability and reflect on our attitudes and behaviours.

“We need to be teaching our young people that our community is made up of lots of different people and we need to be understanding and accepting.

“The book Aisling and Amelia shows there are many more important facets to a person other than their outward appearance or disability,” Cr Taylor said.

The First 5 Forever sessions are run in all Toowoomba Region Libraries across several locations. Weekly sessions are held every Wednesday at Queens Park and other locations around the region.

For more information, please visit: https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/libraries/libraryprograms/14141-first-5-forever-story-time

Caption: Children from today’s First 5 Forever session enjoying the interactive reading