Not only is the Reach Out and Read model proven to help all children develop early reading skills, it is also uniquely suited to address specific needs of many unique populations. Since its founding in 1989, Reach Out and Read has launched several special initiatives to help individual providers tailor the Reach Out and Read model specifically for the families and communities they serve.

Many of Reach Out and Read's Medical Champions have also focused on developing strategies for promoting early literacy skills in children with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.

These findings and best practices are shared with all Reach Out and Read providers nationwide, to ensure that every child and family is receiving the highest quality intervention and care available.

Reach Out and Read has inspired communities and individuals across the globe to replicate our model, in which doctors and nurses incorporate advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud and provide new books to children during healthcare visits. Other countries' healthcare systems may be different, often requiring customization of the model to fit the specific setting. However, Reach Out and Read's core belief - that medical professionals have special access to parents and young children and can ensure that reading and books are a part of all children's development - is the common thread throughout the many international programs which have taken root.

Reach Out and Read is proud to have provided technical assistance and guidance to more than a dozen international partners, including:

Philippine Ambulatory Pediatric Association (Reach Out and Read Philippines)
Baylor-Bristol-Myers Squibb Center of Excellence (Lesotho & Swaziland)
Nati per Leggere (Born to Read/Italy)
Ti Moun Annou Li (Children, Let's Read/Haiti)
Family Island Book Initiative (Bahamas)
Fundación Leer (Buenos Aires, Argentina)