Readability launches student led chapters across the U.S

This spring, Readability officially launched new student-led chapters in several states, including California, New York, New Jersey, Iowa, Illinois, Virginia, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. Each chapter is led by high school students, many of whom are passionate about creative writing, neuroscience, and making a difference in their communities. 

The goal of these chapters is simple: to make reading and storytelling more engaging and accessible for all children– especially those who learn best through movement, texture, and interaction. Members are already planning and running spring book drives to collect children’s books, and many are writing their own original stories. These stories will soon be turned into multi-sensory books with pop-up art, textured materials, scents, and sound elements, all designed to make storytelling more inclusive and fun. 

These books will be featured in upcoming Readability programs, including a summer camp partnership with VisArts, special library events, and a fall collaboration with Montgomery Parks’ Birdability event, which focuses on accessibility in outdoor spaces. 

A dive in

Many chapters first discovered Readability through social media and were eager to get involved. “Readability is so special because, as a community, we’re able to promote equity in education,” said Kiersten Lim, Co-President of the California Chapter.  Furthermore, chapters across the country are already planning exciting projects. “We’re hoping to partner with local libraries and schools to host book drives and other events,” Kiersten says. 

“I decided to join because I wanted to create a welcoming community in my area and an opportunity to help others with intellectual disabilities… My chapter is striving to host story times through our schools and work with libraries to promote literacy,” says Ally Niekro, Co-President of the North Carolina Chapter. 

Head to Instagram for a more specialized look at what our chapters are doing! (@readabilityus)