Print Pals Empowers Self-Expression Through the Magic of Print and Puppetry

In today’s digital world, screens are becoming the norm, impacting the way our kids connect with one another. Research shows kids learn better on paper, especially for reading comprehension and retention due to factors such as tactile engagement, reduced distractions, and improved focus.

Studies also show that creative expression and hands-on tactics like arts and crafts are integral to childhood development and communication, particularly for the 1 in 5 kids worldwide who are neurodivergent and may struggle with managing their emotions or expressing themselves.

Helping children express who they truly are is the impetus behind HP’s Print Pals, a new line of printable puppets, custom-designed by renowned puppeteer Stacey Gordon as well as experts and members of the neurodiversity community. Print Pals merges the magic of printing with the vibrant world of art to foster social engagement and digital inclusion, so that every child is heard and seen in a colorful, impactful way. 

Available ahead of Neurodiversity Pride Day on June 16, kids and families can print and personalize their own Print Pals with eyes, mouths, arms, and other fun features that help express a kid’s unique inner world for free at HP.com/PrintPals. 

Printing Brings Us Closer Together

According to experts, puppets in particular can be a powerful tool to help neurodiverse children improve their social engagement. And while most families may not have a puppet lying around, they are likely to have the perfect device to create one – a printer.

“The wonderful thing about puppets is that they are this invitation to play that can also help us bring what’s inside, out,” said Gordon. “Puppets can communicate so much, from sadness to joy to connection. They give kids one more tool to help them regulate and express a range of emotions that even we as adults feel.”

Inclusivity for kids with all kinds of abilities was top of mind for Stacey and HP when designing Print Pals, pulling from her own lived experience as a neurodivergent parent and someone with ADHD. Two different styles of puppets were created: Glove Puppets that only take a few steps to make and Moving Mouth Puppets that are a bit more complex. Each feature was intentionally designed to express a different facet of a child’s imagination. Accessories like AAC devices, headphones, ponytails and poofs, cochlear implants, wheels and more mean the puppets can also reflect the actual lives of their creators. 

Strengthening Communities

To further fuel advocacy, understanding, and action, HP partnered with Kylie Kelce, as well as charitable beneficiary partner The Eagles Autism Foundation (EAF), to bring Print Pals to life in the community. An advocate from childhood, Kelce works to champion and raise awareness for the neurodiversity community through her continued work with EAF, which has a global community of families affected by autism, advocates, and supporters.

Kelce and EAF will introduce Print Pals to their community as a resource to create more inclusion and accessibility for children and families. Today, Kelce was joined by local families who’ve engaged in EAF events like the All Abilities Clinics, HuddleUp for Autism and Eagles Autism Challenge to celebrate the launch of Print Pals.

“We are excited to see a resource for the autism community that is fun and engaging while enhancing communication with family and friends,” said Kirsten Saraceni, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, Eagles Autism Foundation.

Investing in Digital Equity

HP believes in the power of technology to be a great equalizer. As part of our commitment to accelerating digital equity for 150M people by 2030, we continue to invest in initiatives that increase opportunities to connect, learn, and grow in the digital era. Through our print technologies, we're empowering families to experience the joy and wonder of the printed page, while also helping learners with different abilities thrive. This includes supporting partners in creating sensory-friendly environments and activities.

“Print remains a vital bridge across the digital divide, which is why we align our technological investments with initiatives that increase opportunities to connect, learn, and accelerate digital equity for those that need it most,” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc. and Director, HP Foundation. “HP is excited about the opportunity to support the neurodivergent community at the intersection of art, play and education—all made possible by print.”

To learn more about HP’s Print Pals, or to make a Print Pal of your own, visit HP.com/PrintPals.