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
Free Webinar Reminder: “A Spectrum on the Shelves: Building a Library Collection for People with Autism” – Sept. 17, 2019
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
Applications Accepted for 2020-2021 “Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More” Starting September 2, 2019
Since 2016, this grant has been offered, honoring the groundbreaking work of Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected co-founder, Meg Kolaya, for her contributions in promoting inclusion, connecting libraries with the autism community, and bringing awareness of the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families to the library community.
GRANT PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: For the fifth year, this grant will award a total of $5,000.00, with all of the funds either awarded to one proposal or divided among several applicants, depending on the applications received. All types of libraries in the United States or Canada are encouraged to apply. Proposals will be eligible that fund projects and/or services directed at any age group. Applicants may propose to initiate a new, creative program or service or enhance one that they currently offer. All proposed projects must benefit people with autism or their families, directly or indirectly. Funds may be used to hire a trainer to present a workshop, buy program materials, pay for staff coverage, etc., so long as these expenses further the library’s ability to serve people with autism through the proposed initiative. Click HERE, to see the previous grant winners and funded projects.
DATES:
- Applications will be accepted starting: Monday, September 2, 2019
- The application deadline: Monday, December 2, 2019
- The winning applicant(s) will be notified by: Monday, March 2, 2020
- The grant-funding period: April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021
SELECTION CRITERIA – Each application must show evidence of:
- A clear, well-planned and organized description of the project.
- Significant potential impact.
- Institutional support.
- People with autism, family members or other community stakeholders who are involved in the project development and/or its implementation.
- A project that can be replicated in other communities.
- An understanding of the needs of people with autism and/or best practices in working with this population.
- A sustainability/continuation plan of the service or program after the end of the grant period.
- The need for outside funding to execute the project.
GRANT FORMS:
The 2020-2021 grant forms can be downloaded at the three linked headings below:
- The Application – All questions must be answered, unless they are marked “optional”
- The Sample Budget Sheet – All budget items must also be included in the grant narrative
- The Report Guidelines – Applications, budget sheets, institutional letters of support and other supporting documentation must be submitted as email attachment to: grant@librariesandautism.org
“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
targetingautismlibs.com 