UAEBBY invites publishers to 2027 IBBY Disability Selection

This announcement is part of the UAEBBY’s efforts to empower local publishers to participate in international fora and showcase works that promote diversity and inclusion in the children’s and young adult literature sector. The competition is held biennially, with an international panel of experts evaluating books published worldwide to promote publications that reflect the experiences of young people with disabilities or provide them with accessible reading materials.

The competition allows publishers to nominate books published from 2022 onwards, provided they are copyrighted and represent a significant contribution within two main categories: accessible media, including editions presented in formats such as Braille, sign language, large print, tactile books, books adapted for readers with developmental disabilities, and books that portray disability through real or fictional stories featuring multidimensional characters with hearing, physical, cognitive, or neurological impairments.

Applying

Digital nominations will be accepted through the application form available on the UAEBBY website, along with a PDF copy of the book. The deadline for submitting forms and digital copies is January 15, 2026. One hard copy of each book must be sent to IBBY headquarters in Toronto, Canada, before February 16, 2026. Following the evaluation process, the shortlist of outstanding books will be announced in September or October 2026. It will then be published on the UAEBBY website and featured in the catalog at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2027, alongside the complete collection, which will be showcased at various international book fairs worldwide.

Diversifying readerships

UAEBBY emphasised that the participation of local publishers presents an opportunity to bring Emirati works to a wider global audience and highlight national efforts in producing content that caters to diverse readerships, particularly young adults with disabilities. The council also called on publishers and writers to take advantage of this global event, which promotes Emirati creativity, supports the building of a more inclusive and diverse publishing environment, and enables all children to see their experiences and voices represented honestly and respectfully in the books they read.