Need a better understanding of ASD? Schedule a training session at your library!
As part of the Targeting Autism initiative, we offer training sessions to librarians and support staff throughout all types of libraries in Illinois at no cost.
Training topics can include:
What is autism and why do I need to know about it?
How do I make my library “Autism Friendly”?
What kinds of accommodations might be necessary for my patrons with autism?
Environmental concerns; lighting, noise
Special library programming for students on the spectrum
Training can be customized to meet your specific needs.
Targeting Autism also provides no cost consultations to address individual questions or concerns, via phone, email or Skype. This service is available to libraries within as well as outside of Illinois.
To set up a training or consultation contact Mary Pelich
Autism Works in Libraries : A New Discussion List
In an effort to address one of the many needs among adults with autism, Autism Works in Libraries provides a private forum through a closed email listserve to discuss matters relating to:
- Professionally trained librarians or library paraprofessionals with an autism diagnosis who are having trouble finding or maintaining library employment
- Employed librarians or paraprofessionals with autism who would be willing to show support for job seekers
- Librarians, library students or library staff members with autism who are interested in networking with others like themselves
- Professional librarians or library administrators who are willing to be advocates for those individuals with autism who are looking for library employment
- Autism advocates with professional career experience who can offer advice, tips and job interview or social skills coaching.
This discussion list provides an interactive venue for sharing stories, challenges or frustrations experienced by anyone on the autism spectrum who is having difficulty finding or keeping a library job, as well as, providing a platform for discussion among library professionals and paraprofessionals. In addition to networking with each other, autism advocates are able to present opportunities for mentoring, offer advice, support, provide access to social skills interview/employment coaching as well as links to available jobs in libraries. Our intent is to build a large infrastructure to support library job seekers on the autism spectrum, nationwide, even globally.
We hope that you will take advantage of this free resource! To subscribe, email sschriar@ilsos.net or visit http://bit.ly/Autism-Works.
The Autism Works in Libraries discussion list is part of the Targeting Autism initiative, which is supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
Mary Pelich joins the Targeting Autism Training Team at the Illinois State Library!
I am delighted to announce that beginning September 1st Mary Pelich will be joining the Targeting Autism Team as Autism Consultant and Trainer for Illinois librarians. This position is funded through an IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant to support a second phase of the Targeting Autism initiative. In this new phase, the Illinois State Library is partnering with Dominican University and Syracuse University to develop and implement a comprehensive autism training and education program for librarians.
Mary will be available to provide on-demand library visits to consult and educate public service librarians and administrators on ways to better engage the autism communities with libraries. Among some of the topics that Mary will address, include 1) adapting physical spaces in libraries to accommodate diverse sensory needs; 2) engaging community autism stakeholders with local librarians; 3) developing innovative library services and programs to attract the autism community; and 4) understanding the wide range of characteristics of autism spectrum disorder. Mary will also provide follow-up library site visits and ongoing consultation to 50 Illinois libraries that will be invited to attend a two-day train-the-trainer intensive autism education course at Dominican University.
Mary’s professional background includes working with non-profit organizations and most recently was the Senior Coordinator for The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP)/The Hope Institute. Mary serves on the board of the Autism Society of America, Central IL Chapter and is a most passionate autism advocate as well as the mother of an adolescent son on the spectrum.
Mary will be an outstanding addition to Targeting Autism! Don’t hesitate to contact Mary Pelich to welcome her to the team, to ask her any questions or to make arrangements for a site visit.
Targeting Autism: A Comprehensive Training and Education Program for Libraries is a 2-year project funded by a 2016 IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Grant.
The “Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More” Grant Program is Accepting Applications for 2017!
This grant honors the groundbreaking work of Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected co-founder Meg Kolaya for her contributions in promoting inclusion, connecting libraries and the autism community, and bringing awareness of the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families to the library community.
Grant Description
Each year, a total of $5,000.00 will be awarded. Depending on the applications received, one grant for the full amount or multiple grants for smaller amounts totaling $5,000.00 may be awarded.
Any type of library can apply and the proposal can fund projects and services for any age group. Applicants may propose to initiate a new, creative program or service, bring an already-existing, successful program or service to their library for the first time, or enhance a program or service they already offer. All programs or services proposed must benefit people with autism or their families, directly or indirectly. Funds may be used to hire a trainer to present a workshop, to buy program materials, to pay for staff, etc.
Applications for the 2017 grant(s) are now available.
DOWNLOAD THE GRANT APPLICATION HERE
DOWNLOAD THE GRANT SAMPLE BUDGET HERE
Applications will be accepted starting September 1, 2016.
The application deadline is December 1, 2017.
Applications, budget sheets, institutional letters of support and any other supporting documentation must be submitted via email to: grant@librariesandautism.org
Applications and budget sheets (and any additional supporting documentation) should be submitted as attachments on the forms provided for download below.
The grant funding period is April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018.
The winner(s) will be notified by March 1, 2017.
All questions must be answered, unless they are marked “optional”.
Criteria for Selection:
Applications will be judged on the basis of:
1. The project is clearly described and well thought out.
2. The potential impact is significant.
3. There is institutional support for the program or service
4. People with autism, family members or other community stakeholders are involved in the
development and/or implementation of the project.
5. The program is one that would be replicable in other communities.
6. The program or service is based on an understanding of the needs of people with autism and/or
best practices in working with this population.
7. There is a plan for the continuation of the service or program after the grant year.
8. The project would not be possible without outside funding.
Please direct any questions to Barbara Klipper: barbaraklipper.librarian@gmail.com
targetingautismlibs.com 