The purpose of the study was to develop guidelines for creating easy-to-read books for people
with developmental disabilities. The study was conducted in four steps. First, several guidelines and
manuals published in the UK, the United States, and from the International Federation of Library
Association were analyzed in order to identify the significant common factors of easy-to-read book
guidelines. Second, the characteristics of easy-to-read books were further determined through focus
group interviews with nine special education teachers who experienced teaching reading to students
with developmental disabilities. Third, the easy-to-read book guidelines for people with developmental
disabilities were drafted based on the results of these analyses and interviews. Nine veteran reading
teachers in special education, five parents of children with developmental disabilities, four librarians,
and three publishing editors then assessed its validity. Fourth, Easy-to-read Book Guidelines for
People with Developmental Disabilities, which addresses three categories - book selection,
content development and design development - were finally developed. The implications for future
practice and research were also discussed, as well as the shortcomings of this study.