"What I can be is up to me. Because, you see, I believe in me!"
From the Best Selling Author of Thriving Blind:
What I Can Be Is Up To Me
With captivating storytelling and vibrant illustrations, this book takes young readers on a journey of self-discovery, highlighting that regardless of any challenges they may face, they have the power to choose who they want to be and what they can achieve.
This Book Does Good.
Every purchase of What I Can Be Is Up To Me directly supports the Thriving Blind Academy's mission to empower families raising children that are blind or visually impaired. By buying this book, you're not only empowering your own children or students, but also helping to end the illiteracy and unemployment crisis in the blind community.
In less than one year, thousands of children have been impacted by this book! Join the HEROES on our MISSION to create a brighter future where every blind child can thrive and achieve their dreams!
430
FAMILIES
Parents are investing in this book's empowering message of inclusion.
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COUNTRIES
From the USA to Australia and the Netherlands, the love for this book is global.
65
CLASSROOMS
Teachers are inspiring and empowering their students with this fun book.
250
BOOKS DONATED
Children around the world are seeing disability differently.
Three Ways to Join the Journey of this Book:
Interested to Become a Sponsor or Partner? Scroll down or send an email to [email protected]
1. PURCHASE THE BOOK
Your purchase funds programs at Thriving Blind Academy for families raising chlidren that are blind.
2. DONATE A COPY
Donate a copy to a family, school, or a teacher. You can also donate one to our wait list of teachers and families that would like one.
3.SCHEDULE A SCHOOL VISIT
Chat with author Kristin Smedley to see if a an author visit is a good fit for your school! Click below to schedule a short Zoom call.
CHANGING PERCEPTIONS
Kids Can't Keep Their Hands Off of This Book!
And we don't want them to!
What I Can Be Is Up To Me is not just a regular children's book; it's a unique combination of print and braille in one. This innovative format makes the book accessible for blind children while also introducing all children to the tool of literacy for the blind—braille. Children are fascinated and excited to learn braille as they read along with the story, and this experience changes how they perceive blindness, fostering inclusivity and understanding from an early age.
What are Children, Parents, & Teachers Saying about this book?
This book is proof that when you create something with an inclusive mindset, the impact reaches far beyond the intended benefit:
Your visit to our school was fantastic! It was my most favorite day!
Mary Poole, Librarian, S. Carolina School for the Blind and Deaf
I had so much fun with you and your book today. I am so happy I met you! I want to be an author when I grow up.
Student, Brookdale Elementary School
I can't wait to read this to my grandchildren.
Dr. Kirk Adams, blind, former CEO of American Foundation for the Blind
This Book Is Made Possible by Partners and Sponsors.
Publishing costs for a print + braille format are considerably higher than regular print only books. We are thrilled to work with these organizations and companies to make the book affordable while supporting families guiding blind children to thrive. We are currently looking for more partners to help us build a comprehensive online resource for the book to empower teachers and families to have additional tools to empower children to uncover their abilities and thrive. Please choose a sponsorship level or reach out to [email protected]
PRO TECH IMAGING SERVICES
Rich & Sue Schneider
JOIN OUR JOURNEY AS A SPONSOR!
Become a Sponsor Today!
VISIONARY $1000
Includes company name and logo on the book website and 1 copy of the book.
INNOVATOR $2500
Includes company name and logo on the book website and 5 copies of the book.
THRIVER $5000
Includes company name and logo on the book website, 10 copies of the book, and a one hour presentation by Kristin Smedley.
This Book Is a Catalyst for Change.
Inclusive literature transforms children's worldviews, fostering empathy and paving the way for a more compassionate society.
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Fostering Empathy and Understanding: Inclusive literature helps children understand and appreciate diverse perspectives and experiences. By reading about characters from different backgrounds, abilities, and cultures, children develop empathy and learn to respect and value differences.
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Promoting Self-Identity and Confidence: When children see themselves represented in books, it validates their experiences and boosts their self-esteem. Inclusive literature ensures that all children feel seen and heard, fostering a positive self-identity and confidence in who they are
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Encouraging Social and Emotional Learning: Inclusive stories often address various social and emotional issues, such as bullying, friendship, and overcoming challenges. These narratives provide children with tools to navigate their own emotions and relationships, promoting emotional intelligence and social skills.
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Enhancing Cognitive and Academic Development: Exposure to a wide range of stories and perspectives enhances critical thinking and comprehension skills. Children learn to analyze different viewpoints, recognize biases, and appreciate the richness of diverse narratives, contributing to their overall cognitive and academic growth.
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Building an Inclusive Society: By reading inclusive literature, children learn the importance of inclusivity and equality from a young age. This awareness helps shape their attitudes and behaviors, encouraging them to become more inclusive, open-minded, and accepting individuals who contribute positively to a diverse society.
Meet the Author
Kristin Smedley
Co-Founder, Thriving Blind Academy
CEO, Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation
Kristin Smedley is a TEDx speaker and author of the best selling book Thriving Blind:Stories of Real People Succeeding Without Sight and NEW children's book, What I Can Be Is Up To Me. Kristin is Co-Founder of Thriving Blind Academy. She has two sons that are blind due to CRB1-LCA and a sighted daughter. All three of her children are thriving - and out of the house at college and the workforce!
Meet the Illustrator
Kim Crothers
Artist
Kim has always wanted to pursue art and design from a very young age. She attended Mississippi State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in graphic design. Kim is also visually impaired. She was diagnosed during early childhood with ADOA (Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy), a rare eye disease that causes progressive and irreversible vision loss in both eyes. Kim and her family reside in Mississippi.
Meet the LAUNCH TEAM!
What I Can Be Is Up To Me debuted into the world in 2023 by way of a Kickstarter Campaign to fund all of the Braille and other production costs. In addition, many discussions and much research was done to make this a fully inclusive book - from the fonts used, to the illustrator, and the format. This small but mighty team worked to be sure our campaign was a success (103% funded!) and spread the word far and wide about this project. We are so grateful for their love of this project!
Join our journey on Instagram!
Sue Schneider
Director, Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation
Tara Funk
Inclusion Advocate
Diana
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Aubrey Schneider
Student
