Reflecting Disability project – funding update
- Reflecting Disability
- Oct 2
- 1 min read
Updated: Oct 8
At the Children’s Bookseller Conference 2025, Reflecting Disability shared the latest news about funding for the project.
Beth Cox and Alex Strick explained that their first funding application, which would have allowed them to analyse and report on the book data collected so far, was unsuccessful.
One of the main barriers is that it's harder to show the immediate results of research projects like. Unlike interactive or immersive projects, their impact takes time to show.
However, the feedback on the application was very positive. It indicated that the project has a strong chance of success. The team have been encouraged to reapply soon.
The team shared data and quotes from reviews. These gave a clear picture of how detailed the process has been, and showed why the analysis will be so valuable for publishers.
How publishers can help
Publishers can support the next funding application by:
Writing statements about how the project has helped their publishing house.
Offering financial or in-kind sponsorship to boost match funding.
Publishers can share statements of support and expressions of interest using a simple form by Wednesday 8 October.
It’s still early, but we expect the final report to show real progress in how disabled people are represented in children’s books published in 2024. Our main focus now is getting funding for the report and keeping the momentum going.
