Programming for kids on the spectrum

An article in the Indiana Daily Student last week highlighted award-winning library programming for children with different sensory needs. Mary Frasier, a children’s services librarian at the Monroe County Public Library who helped develop the program last summer, said the program is the result of a combination of a disabilities-focused library subcommittee, a class through the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies and work with the Indiana Institute on Disability and 
Community.

To read the entire article, please visit:
http://www.idsnews.com/article/2015/08/storytelling-for-the-senses

Targeting Autism

The Illinois State Library was awarded an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Leadership Forum Grant to help libraries better serve patrons and family members impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This project explores how libraries can work with diverse community organizations and programs to address the topic of ASD, through training, education and support services. This grant program will extend from November 1, 2014–October 31, 2015.

Check out all the events and resources at their site by visiting:
https://targetingautismlibs.wordpress.com/

Programming help for museums and historic sites

Programming for People with Special Needs: A Guide for Museums and Historic Sites will help museums and historic sites become truly inclusive educational experiences. The book is unique because it covers education and inclusion for those with both intellectual and learning disabilities.

In addition, this book features and discusses programs such as the Museum of Modern Art‘s Meet Me program and ones for children with autism at the Transit Museum in Brooklyn as models for other organizations to adapt for their use. -book description

Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Programming for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder

Programming for children and teens with autism spectrum disorder is a boon to any library who serves this population, from public to school libraries. The author, who has first-hand knowledge of the topic, has developed a program called Sensory Storytime, a model for reaching children with autism in libraries. The book:

• Provides background information on the disorder to help librarians understand how to program for this special audience
• Features step-by-step programs from librarians across the country, adaptable for both public and school library settings
• Suggests methods for securing funding and establishing partnerships with community organizations

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.