During the long days of the Fall 2020 lockdown, 12-year-old Asher Rosenfeld of New York City had a simple but powerful idea: create a routine that kids with special needs could look forward to. He launched Audibles with Asher, a weekly Zoom program where he read books one-on-one to children and young adults who needed connection most.
Five years later, those bonds are still going strong.
“The same kids I started reading with at the start of seventh grade I am reading with again at the start of my senior year,” Asher said. “We grew up together and have developed incredibly meaningful relationships with each other throughout these years.”
The now 17-year-old still logs on every week to see the same smiling faces, reading stories and building friendships that have gone far beyond the books. “Over time, I’ve realized it’s not actually about the books, it’s about the connection that happens while we’re reading and hanging out. That’s the part that’s stuck and the part that matters most to me.”
Parents say the program has been nothing short of a lifeline. “Asher is so kind and reads beautifully to my girls,” said one mom, Karen. “[They] ask if they can do it all the time!”
Because the sessions are online, every participant, no matter their physical or medical condition, can join in from the comfort of their home. Asher even donates and ships the books himself, including fan favorites like I Broke My Trunk! An Elephant and Piggie Book by Mo Willems.
This year, Asher partnered with the nonprofit Friendship Circle, which promotes awareness and understanding of the uniqueness of people with special needs, further widening the reach of his heartfelt project.
“Reading brings the imagination to life; it takes us beyond our everyday world and brings us into someone else’s, which is so special and so cool,” Asher said. “I love to read and I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion reading one-on-one and connecting over stories that we can enjoy together.”
For Asher, what began as a pandemic routine has grown into a lesson in empathy, consistency, and lifelong friendship, and for the kids, a joyful connection that continues to light up their weeks.
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