Events
Free Webinar Reminder: “A Spectrum on the Shelves: Building a Library Collection for People with Autism” – Sept. 17, 2019
As we conduct much needed diversity audits of the materials on our shelves, we need to be including materials for the neurodivergent community in this analysis. Attendees will gain awareness and a working knowledge of autism spectrum disorder along with common neurodevelopmental disorders that can coincide with autism. In this interactive webinar, we will identify adaptive materials and multimedia geared to cognitive, motor, visual, auditory, sensory and social skills development. Insight given on collaboration with autistic self-advocates, caregivers, special education professionals and rehabilitative therapists to help plan appropriate collection components. Attendees will also take away tips on processing, sustainability, and marketing.
Jen Taggart is Assistant Head of Youth Services and librarian responsible for the Youth Special Needs Collection at the Bloomfield Township (MI) Public Library. She has presented on accessibility in library services and collection development nationally, in addition to creating the biennial Adaptive Umbrella Workshop for librarians working with people who have disabilities. She also co-developed the Special Needs Services Roundtable (SNSR) of Michigan librarians providing services for children, teens, and adults with disabilities and serves as programming chair of the Michigan Alliance for Cultural Accessibility (MACA). In 2009, Jen received the Michigan Library Association Children’s Services Division Award of Merit for her development of the Special Needs Collection and innovative youth programs and was named a Mover & Shaker by Library Journal in 2016. You can also find her blogging about inclusive services at Adaptive Umbrella
This free webinar is open to all and will be held on Tuesday, September 17th, from 12:30-1:30pm (CST). To enter the Adobe room at the time of the event, click: A Spectrum on the Shelves: Building a Library Collection for People with Autism
If you plan to attend the webinar, please click: Suzanne Schriar , to send an email. Include your name and name of library (if applicable).
On the day of the webinar and prior to the start time, please test your connection at: http://webjunctionillinois.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm
Resources and Training Offered by Autism Training and Technical Assistance (ATTA) and Autism Speaks
Colleen Shinn, Autism Speaks Nikki Machalak, ATTA
The Autism Training and Technical Assistance project (ATTA) seeks to create resources and training that can be used by students with ASD, their family members, secondary and postsecondary educators and staff, employers, and members of the community, to better understand the transition process, the unique barriers faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and to assist them in working towards or providing equitable access in the workplace/postsecondary setting. Nikki Michalak, Research Coordinator, ATTA, shared information about the Project at the Targeting Autism forum.
Colleen Shinn, Manager, Community Outreach, Autism Speaks, Midwest and South Central Regions on activities and resources available from Autism Speaks, including their extensive Spectrum Careers Portal. Colleen also shared how she is collaborating with Illinois libraries to increase awareness of the wide range of resources that are freely available to support individuals with autism.
The presentation at the 2018 Targeting Autism Forum can be viewed here.
How Libraries Can Work with Local Stakeholders to Serve the Autistic Community : Collaborative Models in Illinois
BUILDING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Amanda Marti, Community Advocate, provided a real-life step-by-step example of developing a community needs assessment and sustainable collaborations. As Amanda points out, “It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a child with autism to raise the consciousness of a village.” (Elaine Hall)
Click here to view Amanda’s entire presentation.
PANEL DISCUSSION: COLLABORATIVE MODELS
Holly Jin (Skokie Public Library); Cathy Hoffman (Mokena Public Library); Deb Sherrick (Greenup Township Public Library); Kathy Claybaugh and Julie Ozier (Monat Gratitude Autism Squad of Cumberland County, IL, shared how they formed partnerships in their communities to enhance and expand library services to people with disabilities.
Click here to view their entire panel discussion.
targetingautismlibs.com 