Joel Gershenfeld / WayMark Systems Jumpstarts the Conversation

Posted on March 13, 2015 Updated on March 16, 2015

Joel Gershenfeld, co-founder of WayMark Systems sets the forum in motion, getting the group to focus on session goals and how to make the two day session a great success.

Part I

Part II

Notes from the group discussion are available here

Adria Nassim on Living with ASD and the Importance of Libraries and Community Support

Posted on March 13, 2015

Adria Nassim, ASD advocate and consultant helps forum participants understand what growing up with ASD has been like for her and the opportunity and responsibility libraries and communities have to improve the quality of life for special needs populations.  In reference to the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child,” Adria ends her talk with the question “Who’s village are you here to build”?

Adria Nassim’s presentation at the March Forum

Russ Bonanno Gives an Inspirational Keynote Address at the Forum

Posted on March 10, 2015 Updated on March 10, 2015

Targeting Autism Keynote Address

Russ Bonanno, Program Manager, The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) challenges us to reflect on why we are here.  After reading numerous library mission statements, Russ observes that “…libraries exist to serve everyone in their communities…”  He also reminds us that by working together we can accomplish great things.

Why Wait For the Forum to Start the Conversation?

Posted on February 26, 2015

Let us know what’s on your mind.  Tweet us at #TargetingAutism Let’s jumpstart the Forum!

Important Reminder About ASD Survey!!

Posted on February 12, 2015 Updated on February 12, 2015

Thank you to everyone who has taken and promoted the ASD survey instrument.  If you have not done so, there is still time left.  If you live in Illinois and have a personal and/or professional stake in ASD,  your voice will make a difference.

The purpose of the survey is to better understand your needs, priorities, and interests around ASD in order to guide the development and delivery of ASD information services by community libraries across the state. Please share the survey with your patrons, friends and all Illinois residents who have been personally or professionally  affected by ASD.

The survey is available in English and Spanish and can be reached through the following link:   

http://maps.waymarksystems.org/s3/Targeting-Autism-2015-consent 

 Your participation in the survey is voluntary and all responses will be kept confidential — only combined responses will be reported.  The results will be presented at a state-wide summit session in March and they will be distributed broadly, including to people who have responded to this request.