A book for grandparents, parents and grandchildren, regardless of physical or intellectual limitations
With the title “Tin Train”, this is a children’s book that was created in multiformat to be inclusive and, in this way, reach all people, regardless of their physical or intellectual limitations.
The ‘Tin Train’ is, without a doubt, the name of a valuable element of the historical and cultural heritage of Marinha Grande. This iconic train, over many years, circulated between Pinhal do Rei and the National Forests, specifically during the period from 1923 to 1965.
Inspired by this heritage, the Boavista Kindergarten, in collaboration with the Association of Parents and Guardians, idealized a book that could be truly accessible to everyone, without any exclusions due to physical or intellectual abilities.
Thus, they created it in an inclusive way, with the participation of kids, adults, local and regional organizations and companies, including Alfaloc.
The students of the Senior University of Marinha Grande wrote the stories of the book ‘Comboio de Lata’ with dedication. At the same time, the children of the Boavista Kindergarten made the illustrations, demonstrating great creativity in their works. In addition, the Resource Center for Digital Inclusion (CRID) of ESECS, the Conservatory of Arts of Marinha Grande (ARIOSO) and other entities offered essential support for the transformation into multiformat.
According to CRID, the book features ‘enlarged text, braille and embossed images’, making it ideal for children who are blind or have low vision. In addition, there are also pictograms that facilitate access for children with intellectual disabilities or other limitations.
Additionally, the book includes a QR Code that directs to the Boavista Kindergarten website, where the audiobook version for blind or low-vision children is located. In addition, a videobook version with Portuguese Sign Language is available, aimed at deaf children. The book also contains an original song, sung by the children of the Boavista Kindergarten with the support of the Marinha Grande Conservatory.
Therefore, the book was dedicated and made accessible to all children, with stories to be shared between grandparents, parents and grandchildren.
The launch of this special book took place on May 29, at the Municipal Exhibition Park of Marinha Grande. The event was attended by representatives of several direct and indirect stakeholders:
- the President of the Association of Parents and Guardians of the Boavista Kindergarten, Joana Silva;
- the President of the Group’s CAP, Pedro Lopes;
- the Vice President of Senior Life Projects, Sílvia Gemito;
- the Coordinator of CRID, Célia Sousa;
- the Director of ESECS, Sandrine Milhano;
- the Pro-President of IPL, Isabel Pereira;
- the Vice President of the National Institute of Rehabilitation, Marina Van Zeller;
- The councilor for Education and Culture of Marinha Grande, Célia Guerra;
- of the Parish Council of Marinha Grande, Sandra Moleirinho Paulo.
Alfaloc was honored to support the creation of this book.
You can buy the book “Comboio de Lata” in 4 places: Boavista Kindergarten, Livros e Companhia bookstore (in Marinha Grande) and at Pinhal do Rei and Nery Capucho Schools (in Marinha Grande).
