Character Traits
The main character with a visual impairment was rated as being portrayed as
either incapable/capable, dependent/independent, inferior-superior/equal, a non-
user/user of specialized tools and techniques, and one-dimensional/multi-
dimensional. Blindness as a dominant/subliminal characteristic was also rated. The
overall score for this inclusivity factor was .23, which puts it in good standing. Of
particular strength were the tendency for characters to be portrayed as capable,
independent, and equal. The overall weighted average for adjustment phase is 5.98,
which correlates to the Re-Assessment and Re-Affirmation stage. Of concern, were
the tendency for blindness to be the dominant trait and for the character to be one-
dimensional. In fact, 91% of the main characters were functionally blind, and only
3% had additional disabilities. One book featured supporting characters with
additional exceptionalities. While Milian and Erin (2001) emphasize multiple
dimensions of identity that include age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion,
sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. Most of the books focused
exclusively on disability. In regard to the main character with a visual impairment,
four stories had an elderly character; eight had a person of color, 18 featured a
female (and none featured a non-binary character); 2 specified religion (Buddhism
and Judaism); none overtly discussed sexual orientation, but heterosexuality was
implied for two characters; and lower socio-economic status was implied in at least
