Below is an extract of the speech given by Cherie Booth QC at the In The Picture "Picture this!" event held in London on 15 April 2008.

Good evening

I’m here not just as a Patron of Scope, but also as a passionate believer in the rights of all children, disabled and non-disabled. I have heard this evening how difficult it is for disabled children when they feel so excluded from literature. As a child I know how much I enjoyed reading, and being read to by my parents, and I know now how much my children have enjoyed the same experiences. I would imagine that everyone in this room probably has a memory about a favourite book they read when they were growing up. Our memories simply highlight how powerful books are for youngsters, and the importance of pictures in a child’s understanding of a story.

Disabled children need society to change so they can enjoy the feeling of inclusion and acceptance that a project like In The Picture is working to create. As parents, brothers, sisters etc we all have a responsibility to protect the rights, and encourage the development, of the children we know. But I think those of you who work in children’s books – in whatever capacity – have an extra responsibility. You can do so much more to help : create a character who happens to be disabled, draw a mobility aid in a background picture - do whatever you can to improve the life of a disabled child.

It’s clear from what I have heard this evening, how important and highly valued In The Picture is. And what a huge amount of work many of you are already doing. Just by looking at the sort of media coverage Susan showed us on her slide you can see the impact of the project - it is not just lighting up the book world, but a much broader audience. Also so much has been achieved in such a short space of time – every day In The Picture seems to break new ground, and it’s resources and website are discovered by another person who has the capacity to take the concept into children’s lives.

If you are already playing a part in this societal change then thank you – if not, please do all you can to help. Scope would be delighted to talk to you, and I know they certainly appreciate you showing an interest by attending this evening. Thank you very much for listening, and – on behalf of In The Picture - for your help.

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