New initiative supports literacy for children with developmental differences

NonprofitEducation

Apr 25

An inclusive literacy alliance has been created in Kent County. Funded by Baker Family Foundation and facilitated by First Steps Kent, the Inclusive Literacy Alliance (ILA) is a collaborative initiative dedicated to improving early literacy outcomes for children with developmental differences in Kent County. The ILA, comprised of community partners, educators, service providers, parents, and advocates, was convened for the first time in early 2025.

"Children who are deaf, blind, or have an Autism diagnosis often need unique approaches to support their learning journey," said Jennifer Headley-Nordman, President, First Steps Kent. "We're grateful to the Baker Foundation for supporting the Inclusive Literacy Alliances' efforts to connect more kids and families with early reading best practices."

Through partnership with local organizations, families, and systems leaders, the ILA is identifying what works, exploring what’s possible, and piloting solutions that strengthen early literacy for children with developmental differences in Kent County.

“Kent County is fortunate to have many resources for families with young children. Unfortunately, sometimes the resources can be hard to navigate especially when it comes to children who learn differently than the majority,” said Cara Sutliffe, parent leader, the Inclusive Literacy Alliance. “My hope with being a part of First Steps Kent and the alliance is to figure out ways to help make that navigation easier and the resources more readily available.”

Key focus areas for the ILA include elevating family voice and lived experience, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, expanding access to adaptive technology and inclusive materials, and improving provider training and system navigation.

The ILA will meet four times throughout 2025, bringing together key stakeholders to build a more inclusive and effective early literacy system. The initiative focuses on the unique literacy journey of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, blind/low vision, and deaf/hard of hearing, who are working on early literacy skills. For more information, visit https://www.firststepskent.org/ila.