MySight York Wins Award For Sensory Storytelling Project

Posted: Monday 2 October 2023 | Louise Calpin

MySight York are delighted to announce we have won the prestigious Visionary Award, in the Children and Young People category (sponsored by The Powell Family Foundation). MySight York partnered with Explore York Libraries, Toy Like Me and York Specialist Teaching Team to develop specialist sensory sacks which contain themed stories, tactile books and items/props that bring the books to life through all the senses.

The pink and green Visionary logo is in the centre of the image. The text Winner 2023 is inside a green banner.

Parents of children with sight loss told us they wanted their children to enjoy stories with others to build a strong foundation for their literacy. The sensory storytelling project means children with sight loss and their siblings can access inspiring and accessible story times at their local libraries.

 

“After my son experienced the sensory storytelling session, both the story and the Explore York library took on a whole new meaning for him.” Parent in attendance at one of the Sensory Storytelling Sessions.

 

Imogen, an occupational therapy student living with sight loss, on placement at MySight York, brought the project to life. Imogen helped develop a super sensory story telling pack for popular children’s stories, including Mole’s Sunrise by Jeanne Willis and After the Storm by Nick Butterworth. These included large print and braille versions of the stories, tactile objects and props representing settings and characters.

 

Scott Jobson, Chief Executive at MySight York said “Whilst I am proud we have won this award, this recognition certainly isn’t about us; it’s about the incredible children and their families who inspire us every day. It’s about our collaborators who share our vision and work together to turn it into reality, making a positive impact in the lives of visually impaired children.

Special thanks go to Imogen (occupational therapist student, on placement at MySight York) who delivered a series of story times, and training sessions, at the local libraries.”