ABA therapy relies heavily on visual tools to support communication and learning. Yet, many of the materials available today feature generic stick figures or images reflecting a narrow demographic, leaving many children underrepresented.
This lack of inclusivity influences how children see themselves and engage with the content, often hindering the learning process.
The Representation Challenge in ABA Therapy
Research shows that African Americans make up 12.3% of the U.S. population, yet Black and brown children remain significantly underrepresented in educational and therapeutic visuals.
The absence of inclusive imagery in communication cards and visual supports means many neurodivergent individuals don’t see themselves reflected in the very tools designed to help them learn and grow.
The Story Behind Hue-Man Expressions
Hue-Man Expressions was created to fill a gap in the field of ABA: the lack of diverse and realistic educational and therapeutic resources. Its founder, Rashida Biera, BCBA—herself a parent and advocate—wanted to provide Black and brown children with visuals that reflect who they are and how they navigate the world.
The result is a line of communication cards and behavior supports that feature detailed, relatable illustrations designed to help children engage more fully in therapy and everyday interactions.
With resources like these, clinics have access to tools that better reflect the communities they serve.
Why Detailed, Diverse Imagery
Standard stick-figure materials serve a functional purpose, but they lack the detail and authentic representation children need to identify with the characters.
Hue-Man Expressions materials are designed with detailed illustrations of Black and brown children displaying realistic facial expressions and body language. This diverse imagery allows for:
- Improved modelling and imitation: Children are more likely to learn from images that reflect their lived experiences and mirror genuine human expressions and movements.
- Increased engagement: Familiar visuals help children pay attention, stay motivated, and feel represented.
- Therapeutic clarity: Nuanced poses and expressions make it easier to understand emotions, actions, and routines.
Inclusive visuals are a practical step toward culturally responsive ABA, helping ensure therapy connects with every child. When children see themselves in the materials, learning becomes more meaningful.
Expression Gallery Examples
Partnership Benefits for Portia Users
Portia’s partnership with Hue-Man Expressions makes it easy to bring inclusive imagery into therapy sessions without juggling multiple platforms or resources.
Clinics can now integrate Hue-Man Expressions materials into their Portia account at a discounted rate of 40% off the regular price for both virtual and hard copy versions. This exclusive discount makes inclusive resources more accessible for Portia users compared to purchasing directly.
Each time an ABA clinic adopts Hue-Man Expressions through Portia, it contributes to a growing community committed to expanding access to inclusive tools and improving the experience for practitioners and learners.
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to bring diverse ABA materials into your practice or expand your inclusive autism therapy toolset, Portia makes it simple. By adding Hue-Man Expressions to your Portia account, you gain access to visuals that reflect the diversity of the children you support.
When integrated with Portia’s ABA software, these resources provide therapists with even more practical tools, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—helping learners succeed.
Take the next step toward inclusive therapy resources.
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