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
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
There is Still Time to Register for the Targeting Autism Forum!
The Illinois budget impasse has impacted registration for the Targeting Autism forum, March 10-11, 2016, leaving a small number of vacancies to be filled. The forum will include two days of stimulating talks and opportunities to learn from examples of strong community collaborations among libraries and ASD stakeholders in Illinois. A few of the speakers and topics presented at the forum will include:
- Marty Murphy – A nationally known speaker and ASD self advocate. Marty will share her insights about the emotional influence of living with autism along with the many facets of how and why things affect her. A compelling speaker, Marty shares her energy, knowledge and humor to address the many challenges that parents and educators face in helping children with autism.
- Ann Ford – Executive Director of the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living since 1999. Ann has received several awards for her leadership and passionate involvement in the area of disabilities advocacy. She was active in the efforts to develop the Americans with Disabilities Act and get it passed, and remains active in efforts to assure full implementation. Ann will talk about the importance of community relationships and working in partnership with service providers and advocacy groups to utilize all tools available to enhance services.
- Sarah Weaver, Ph.D – Executive Director of the Office of Disability Services for the University of Illinois at Springfield. Dr. Weaver will address the topic of ADA as it applies to “hidden” disabilities.
- Debra Vines – Executive Director of The Answer Inc. – Autism Awareness and Support Agency. Debra will address the challenges and opportunities for supporting the African-American ASD community.
- José Ovalle – is the executive director of Grupo SALTO (Latino Autism Society Working with Optimism) and the Former Regional Coordinator and Parent Liaison for TAP. José will address the challenges and opportunities for supporting the Spanish speaking families of children with ASD.
This is just a small sample of what promises to be a very stimulating forum. A complete agenda is forthcoming.
If you would like to attend, please contact Suzanne Schriar. Priority will given to anyone who attended the first forum, but has not registered yet for the upcoming forum, school librarians and educators. CPDUs will be provided. Lodging for two nights and meals will be provided.
ASD Training and Consulting Opportunities Available for Libraries!!
From October, 2015 through September, 2016 as part of the Targeting Autism grant project, Russ Bonanno, project partner and Director, The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) is available to schedule a limited number of consulting and training opportunities for interested libraries.
- providing on-site introductory level training sessions in the understanding of autism;
- consulting and providing technical assistance in developing needs assessments related to autism; and
- consulting and providing technical assistance in developing programs or evaluating modifications to better meet the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
This is a great opportunity for librarians and all public services library employees to receive expert consulting services and training at no charge! To get on the schedule and ensure a session at your library, contact Russ Bonanno at your earliest convenience.
AUTISM WELCOME HERE: Library Programs, Services and More Grant
AUTISM WELCOME HERE:
Library Programs, Services and More Grant
www.librariesandautism.org/grant
Applications are now being accepted online
Submission deadline is December 1, 2015
For more information and details about this unique grant opportunity please see:
www.librariesandautism.org/grant
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 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 will be judged on the basis of:
- The project is clearly described and well thought out.
- There is institutional support for the program or service.
- People with autism, family members or other community stakeholders are involved in the
development and/or implementation of the project. - The program is one that would be replicable in other communities.
- 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. - The service or program will be sustainable after the end of the grant period.
Please direct any questions to Barbara Klipper: barbaraklipper.librarian@gmail.com.
Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected is honored and excited to be sponsoring this new grant opportunity that 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.
www.librariesandautism.org/grant
This grant is an outcome of the Illinois State Library’s broad and ambitious project, Targeting Autism: A National Forum on Serving Library Patrons on the Spectrum. The grant is funded by Barbara Klipper, retired librarian, consultant and trainer, and the author of two important books, Programming for Children and Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ALA Editions, 2014) and The Secret Rules of Social Networking (AAPC Publishing, 2015).
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