New dates set for Targeting Autism Forum — March 10-11, 2016
The new dates for the second Targeting Autism Forum has officially been set for Thursday, March 10 through Friday, March 11, 2016. The lack of a state budget remains challenging for Illinois, as we continue to wait for a resolution. We appreciate your understanding and hope that you take advantage of the additional time to collaborate with autism services providers and various community stakeholders. Direct your attention to the outside community and refer to these questions as a starting point:
- Who are the autism stakeholders in my community?
- What services are provided for individuals and family members impacted by autism?
- What is the demographic makeup of those residents with autism in my community?
- How can I help my community library to become a conduit to local support services and resources?
- How extensive are the autism education/training needs of librarians and public services staff?
- What does my library currently do to support the patron population impacted by autism? Is it enough?
- What can I do to ensure that my library is welcoming to residents with autism?
Finally, please share your stories, both positive and negative, using the ‘Contact’ section of this blog. All stories pertaining to patrons/families impacted by autism and their library experiences are important to the continuation of the Targeting Autism initiative. Please show your support by staying connected and keeping the momentum up!
I look forward to seeing you in Springfield, IL, for the March forum!
Libraries and Autism: Why It Matters!
On Thursday, September 24, 2015, 1:30-3:00pm (CST) Russ Bonanno, Director, The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) and I will present a webinar, titled, Libraries and Autism: Why It Matters! Registration information is available on the L2 calendar of events.
Description: Libraries play a number of roles within their communities, which leaves them uniquely positioned to provide resources and services that can greatly benefit community members with autism spectrum disorder and their friends and families. This webinar will introduce the Targeting Autism project spearheaded by the Illinois State Library and funded by a grant from IMLS. Beginning with a brief overview of autism and how it may impact libraries and library staff, the presenters will discuss the rationale behind this project, future project plans, and how libraries can benefit from their involvement in this project.
This webinar is hosted by the RAILS Library System and is included as part of ADA 25 Chicago series of webinars developed to commemorate this year’s 25th anniversary of ADA.
Targeting Autism September Forum Postponed Until March, 2016
August has arrived and there is still no state budget in Illinois. Although the Targeting Autism Project is funded by IMLS, the Illinois State Library has no authority to spend funds until an Illinois budget is approved.
Please understand that the Illinois State Library remains strongly committed to the Targeting Autism Project and to all initiatives that assist libraries in becoming more welcoming to the ASD community. In addition, the State Library has been granted a project extension from IMLS, which enables us to postpone the Targeting Autism Forum until March, 2016. The exact dates for the two-day forum will be announced once we can coordinate and confirm some of the meeting details.
Thank you for your patience and support during these challenging times.
Illinois State Budget Delay Could Postpone Targeting Autism Forum — Stay Tuned!
The upcoming Targeting Autism forum, September 3-4, may need to be rescheduled due to the delay in approving the fiscal 2016 Illinois state budget. Essentially, the Illinois State Library will not have the authority to make expenditures for fiscal year 2016 until a state budget is approved.
If no budget is in place by August 1st, the forum will be rescheduled. We are committed to the success of this program; and should we need to reschedule the forum, every attempt will be made to accommodate the schedule needs of our participants.
In the meantime, I will keep you updated on any developments that impact the forum. Thank you for your support and patience.
New Grant Program Sponsored by “Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected”
| The “Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More” grant is sponsored by Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected. |
 This grant honors the groundbreaking work of Libraries and Autism 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 Any type of library can apply and the proposed program or service 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. Click “Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More“ to find additional details and a link to the application form. This grant is funded by Barbara Klipper, librarian and author of Programming for Children and Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ALA Editions, 2014) and The Secret Rules of Social Networking (AAPC Publishing, 2015), a one-of-a-kind resource for teens and young adults with ASD or other social skills deficits that outlines the unstated rules that guide relationships in the real world and online as well. |
targetingautismlibs.com 