Discover how Capital Region BOCES brought inclusive storytelling to life for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students by adapting fables with narration, ASL interpretation, and Book Creator.
Imagine the power of stories bridging communication gaps and reaching every learner. At Capital Region BOCES, a dedicated team, including a Book Creator trainer, collaborated with author Constance Clarke, who publishes with Austin Macauley Publishers, a talented Career and Technical Education (CTE) student from the deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) community, and visual ASL interpreter Jesse Palmer. Their innovative project utilized the simplicity and versatility of Book Creator to adapt beloved fables for DHH students. This is the inspiring story of how collaboration and user-friendly technology opened new avenues for literacy.
Making stories accessible through collaboration
The project centered around two of Constance Clarke's enchanting fables: "The Skunk and the Chipmunk" and the eagerly anticipated "The Squirrel and the Acorns." Recognizing the diverse learning needs of their students, the team aimed to create a truly inclusive reading experience.
A bright CTE student from Guilderland High School lent her voice to narrate the stories, providing an auditory pathway to comprehension. Complementing this, visual ASL interpreter Jesse Palmer meticulously translated the narration into expressive American Sign Language, creating a visual representation of the narrative.
The crucial element in bringing all the components together was Book Creator. With the author’s permission, I adapted Clarke’s books using Book Creator, integrating the audio narrations and the corresponding ASL videos. This resulted in dynamic digital books where DHH students can engage with the stories through both visual and auditory cues.
To enhance accessibility even further, I embedded QR codes directly into the resources. Printed copies of The Squirrel and the Acorns will include a QR code, and the code for The Skunk and the Chipmunk will be readily available online—extending the reach of these accessible fables to a global audience.
A collaborative success story
This project truly exemplifies the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to inclusive education. I was honored to work alongside an incredible team—Principal John Clausson, Instructional Coach Donna Lamkin, author Constance Clarke, and visual ASL interpreter Jesse Palmer. Constance, who spent much of her career as a special education teacher, is passionate about crafting fables for the 21st-century reader, weaving in messages of kindness and other essential values.
Book Creator gave us the perfect platform to bring her stories to life in a way that’s accessible to a wider audience. Together, we were able to create a "common thread of understanding" for our DHH students—something I’m incredibly proud to have been part of.
The initiative at Capital Region BOCES demonstrates the transformative potential of combining collaborative efforts with intuitive tools like Book Creator. By making these fables accessible through narration and ASL interpretation, they have opened new worlds of reading for DHH students. Consider how Book Creator could empower you to create more inclusive learning experiences in your classroom.
What stories or resources could you adapt to reach a wider range of learners? Share your ideas and connect with us in the comments below!
Get Book Creator for your school!
- Upgraded accounts for all your teachers
- Implementation plan to help with rollout
- PD support
- Analytics & admin dashboard
Cheska Robinson is an Instructional Technology Coach who helps K–12 educators use tools like Book Creator and AI to foster creativity, amplify student voice, and build inclusive classrooms.
Related posts
-
28 April, 2025 -
22 May, 2019 -
21 January, 2020 -
15 October, 2024 -
8 April, 2020 -
13 January, 2017 -
27 November, 2013 -
3 November, 2015