The Institute of Museum and Library Services Awards Illinois State Library $522,871 for Targeting Autism Training and Education Program
The Illinois State Library was awarded a 2016 Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant to administer the development and delivery of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) training program to improve library service and programs for the ASD community. Targeting Autism: A Comprehensive Training and Education Program for Librarians is a two-year program based in Illinois, where librarians will learn how to design physical spaces, provide necessary accommodations, and create library services and programs that support the resource and recreational needs of individuals with ASD of all ages. The project will provide in-library site visits and consultations to libraries throughout the state to better inform the development of library ASD service plans and will deliver a train-the-trainer, in-person workshop to 1-2 representatives from 50 libraries in Illinois through a partnership with Dominican University. Illinois State Library will also partner with Syracuse University to create a cluster of customized online ASD learning modules for the existing Project ENABLE website that will be available to library professionals nationwide. Finally, Illinois State Library will hold two annual forums for ASD practitioners, multi-type librarians, and other stakeholders to educate, strengthen collaboration, and build on the national network of support for expanding ASD library services.
Face-to-face classes developed at Dominican University, School of Library and Information Science, a Targeting Autism project partner. Leading this effort is Sujin Huggins, Ph.D.
In-library training and consultations conducted by Russ Bonanno, consultant and former Director, The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP)
A cluster of online autism training modules developed for Project ENABLE . Leading this effort is Ruth Small, Ph.D. and the Project ENABLE team at Syracuse University, a Targeting Autism project partner.
Periodic webinars delivered by the ILEAD USA Team Spectra on technology applications that support individuals with autism.
Targeting Autism Forums will continue to be held as part of this new initiative.
The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois State Library are very grateful to IMLS for providing the Illinois State Library and our project partners with the opportunity and resources to develop a national training model designed to empower librarians to better serve the autism community.
A Footnote from Caren Zucker, co-author, “In a Different Key: The Story of Autism”
From Caren Zucker:
“…I cannot imagine the autism community better served than what you have all done – you are helping to educate a large group of librarians about autism so that they can better help the community. You all then had the insight and kindness (lucky for us) to share our book with them…We hope your insight into the importance of educating others about autism is only the first, and many other educators and librarians will follow…”
The complete book talk was recorded and is available here.
Pictured from right to left: John Donvan, Caren Zucker, Russ Bonanno (moderator)
Playwright Shares Kennedy Center Production of Her Award Winning One-Act Play at the Targeting Autism Forum
On the evening of March 10th, 2016, Targeting Autism Forum attendees had the privilege of viewing the Kennedy Center’s professional production of The Other Room and meeting with the playwright, Ariadne Blayde. After viewing the performance, it become obvious that the audience had experienced something that had touched their hearts to the core.
Ariadne Blayde effectively portrays the difficult and lonely struggle expressed by a brilliant high school student with Asperger’s Syndrome, who tries hard to communicate his thoughts and feelings, and ultimately experiences the heartbreak of being misunderstood. And yet, it doesn’t take a connection to autism to know the pain of being misunderstood and not seen for who we truly are. By touching own existential loneliness and struggle for genuine communication, Ariadne Blayde has given us a deeper connection to the mind of someone with ASD.
Ariadne’s talk, including the 2008 Kennedy Center performance of The Other Room can be accessed here
Debra Vines Shares “Just for Men” video at 2016 Targeting Autism Forum
For parents of children with autism, support groups can provide a powerful way connect and learn from others who share similar experiences, dreams and challenges. These groups, however, are typically attended by mothers, leaving fathers with fewer opportunities to find encouragement in their day-to-day lives. In addition, men are socialized to be more stoic and are often less likely to share their feelings, frustrations and often hide their need for support. The result can be emotional isolation and depression.
An important component of The Answer, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing support, resources, education, recreation and advocacy for families in the greater Chicago area that are challenged with supporting family members with autism & developmental differences, is the Just for Men support group. Just for Men was created to cater to the needs of fathers dealing with individuals with autism or other mental impairments.
Take a few minutes to view the inspirational video Just for Men which was shown at the 2016 Targeting Autism Forum and included as part of Debra Vine’s talk on March 10th. Debra’s complete presentation is available here
Recognizing one of our distinguished 2016 Targeting Autism forum speakers
In honor of Women’s History Month…
Ann Ford, Executive Director of Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living (INCIL) in Springfield. Ann is one of the most significant advocates for Illinoisans with disabilities. Ann contracted polio at the age of five, and has become a tireless advocate and strong leader, overcoming countless challenges throughout her life. Ann has served as the Co-Chair of the Disabilities Services Committee – which improves the states compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ann Ford has dedicated her life to empowering individuals with disabilities to become full participants in society and to realize that there are NO LIMITS!
targetingautismlibs.com 