Diane Miller Assistive Technology Story Books Program

Part of the Michael Boussina Inclusion Program

The Story Books Program will provide accessible books to communicate with, educate, empower and in-spire individuals with special needs. This program is named in honor of Michael and is dedicated to providing a voice for him and others who cannot speak for themselves.The Story Books Program will provide accessible books to communicate with, educate, empower and in-spire individuals with special needs. This program is named in honor of Michael and is dedicated to providing a voice for him and others who cannot speak for themselves.

Communication is the sharing of thoughts, experiences, feelings, and information. Effective communica-tion is primary in the life and dignity of each individual. Literacy - the reading and sharing of books, is im-portant to develop and support communication skills. Books are not always easily accessible for individuals with physical and learning challenges.

A vast majority of the books chosen to be recorded and provided to the community through the Story Books Program are PJ Library books. PJ Library [run locally through the Jewish Federation of the Sacramen-to Region (https://pjlibrary.org/About-PJ-Library)] sends traditional format children's books to Jewish fam-ilies every month. PJ Library shares Jewish stories that can help families talk together about values and tra-ditions and relate them to personal experiences. People learn about the world around them through sto-ries. Books encourage us to dream. Stories give us smiles. The program goal is to assist individuals by re-cording books and capturing the illustrations in a format that can make the stories accessible to individuals who cannot independently enjoy reading. For example: on a computer, a child with physical challenges can use a switch to turn the pages of a book, to listen to the words and to see the pictures. The books are pre-pared by young volunteers. Books and flash drives will be availed to identified individuals.

The literacy experiences of reading and sharing books develop and support relationships, communication skills, shared experiences, traditions, values and personal connections.

A shared voice!

This program is an ideal opportunity for community service and/or B’nai Mitzvah projects!

Please contact Dee Miller at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Taliah Berger at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
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