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The Recent Webinar “A Spectrum of Shelves: Building a Library Collection for People with Autism” is now available for viewing.
If you were unable to attend this valuable webinar, presented by Jennifer Taggart, a national leader and expert on accessibility in library services and collection development, you can view her complete presentation here:
For more great resources and innovative ideas about inclusive library services, check out Jennifer’s blog, Adaptive Umbrella
Targeting Autism Initiative Featured in the October issue of The International Journal of Information, Diversity & Inclusion
Targeting Autism in Libraries:
A Comprehensive and Collaborative Training
Program for Librarians
Abstract
This article describes the Targeting Autism program, funded by multiple grants from the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS). This program was created to provide free training to the librarians of the State of Illinois on providing quality services and programs to patrons with autism. The State Library of Illinois leads the project, in partnership with Dominican University and Syracuse University and in collaboration with dozens of autism related organizations. The Targeting Autism program has included a variety of educational opportunities—in-person annual forums, group workshops, follow-up individualized coaching, webinars, blogs, and an online self-paced, in-depth training program for individuals or groups through Project ENABLE (Expanding Non-discriminatory Access to Librarians Everywhere) to librarians in Illinois and beyond. The program is a model for the development of similar programs both nationally and internationally.
The complete article is available at:
The International Journal of Information, Diversity, & Inclusion, 3(4), 2019
ISSN 2574-3430, jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/ijidi/index
DOI: 10.33137/ijidi.v3i4.32998
“A Spectrum on the Shelves: Building a Library Collection for People with Autism” – Targeting Autism Webinar, Sept. 17, 2019
Jennifer Taggart
Assistant Department Head of Youth Services, Bloomfield Township Public Library (Michigan)
Accessibility Services Speaker & Consultant
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
Check out NADD : an association for persons with developmental disabilities and mental health needs
Thanks to Erin Miller, 2019 Targeting Autism Forum presenter, for alerting us to this wonderful organization and wealth of resources within. The organization, NADD, National Association for the Dually Diagnosed was founded in 1983 by Robert J. Fletcher, and was based on the following premise that individuals with both developmental disabilities and mental health issues remained unidentified, untreated and underserved. NADD was established as a multidisciplinary association of professionals to promote the education of the professional community concerning the realities of dual disability so that the issues and problems can be successfully addressed.
A New Logo — A Symbol of Empowerment
Yesterday, June 18th, in honor of Autism Pride Day, The Targeting Autism initiative changed its logo, replacing the puzzle pieces with the rainbow infinity symbol. There was no better time than Autism Pride Day to change our branding by displaying the symbol that honors diversity with infinite variations and possibilities.
targetingautismlibs.com 