Innovative Children’s Book Aims to Educate About Disabilities

Two friends from Canton have come up with an innovative way to empower and educate children about disabilities through a children’s book titled, ‘Kevin Can‘. The creators, Ian Flanagan and Jesse Lindlbauer, who live with disabilities themselves, are the author and illustrator, respectively, behind the inspiring project.

“Kevin Can” is a children’s book about a boy named Kevin who uses a wheelchair and enjoys life, just a bit differently. “Everyone assumes that being in a wheelchair means not having any fun, Kevin shows that’s not the case“, said Flanagan.

The book explores themes of disability empowerment, including concepts like accessibility, inclusion and a whole lot more. Lindlbauer illustrated the whole book on a computer. “Despite not being able to draw anymore, the computer allows me to bring my artistic ideas to life,” said Lindlbauer.

“Kevin Can” aims to make children and parents feel more at ease when discussing disabilities. It doesn’t shy away from showing what kids with disabilities can achieve, and it encourages children without disabilities to be friends with those who are different. Flanagan said that the book is a good way of “showing kids that it’s OK to be friends with kids that are different than them“.

Inside the book, children can follow Kevin and his friend Katie as they swim, play games, and even ride bikes – with Kevin using an adaptive bike that Lindlbauer himself uses. “Sharing my own experiences in this book is very personal to me,” said Lindlbauer.

The book also dispels misconceptions about disability-“Just because someone is in a chair doesn’t mean they literally live in their chair“, Flanagan was quick to point out.

The duo has planned a series for this book and their next theme will be about service animals, similar to Lindlbauer’s lab named Trooper. Reviews from parents and teachers have been overwhelmingly positive, indicating the book is really making an impact on how disabilities are understood and perceived.

The book is available on Amazon and to keep up with Flanagan and Lindlbauer’s work, they can be followed on Facebook and Instagram.