Whether large or small, rural or urban, all library communities serve patrons with special needs. Developing an awareness of and sensitivity to children with disabilities is crucial for providing top-notch library services. This webinar shares inspiring programming and innovative ideas for new services to target this special population. Learn about what online resources are available for staff to serve children with special needs more fully, and explore strategies to reevaluate and make new accommodations in existing youth programs for an inclusive audience.

Presented by: Renee Grassi, Youth Department Director, Glen Ellyn Public Library, Illinois

Access Recording

• View Webinar Recording (You will be prompted to log in to our free Course Catalog.)

Webinar Attachments

• View slides (pdf)
  
• View chat (xls)
• View captions (txt)
  
• Learner Guide (doc) Use alone or with others to extend your learning.

Related Resources and Links

• Read webinar recap, Welcoming Children with Disabilities at Your Library
• Resources Handout (doc) - Renee's collection of articles, books, webinars and websites
• People First Chart (pdf)
• Questionnaire for Sensory Storytime (doc)
• Lekotek Questionnaire (doc)
• Parent Survey and Results (doc)
• October is:
  
• Down Syndrome Awareness Month
• Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
• National Center for Learning Disabilities
• Longmont Public Library Excels at Serving Children with Autism - IMLS Blog
• Special Needs Sensory Storytime webinar - Utah Library Association/Utah State Library
• ALSC/Candlewick Press "Light the Way" Grant
• Libraries and Autism
• Sensory Storytime related posts in ALSC Blog
• AMC Sensory Friendly Films
• On using Social Stories
  
• Autism Speaks - Light It Up Blue
• SNAILS blog
• 10 Quick Tips for Marketing to Families with Children with Special Needs
• Volunteers in Your Library
• Disabilities Awareness Training: Essential Tools for Your Toolbox
• Sensory Storytime: A New Partnership Program with Lekotek
• Libraries and Autism: Customer Service Tips
• Programming for Children with Special Needs: ALSC Blog 5 Part Series
• Sensory Friendly Films: Family Programming for Autism Awareness Month
• Mind Your Manners: Teaching Life Skills at the Library
• Arlington Heights Memorial Library Social Story
• Also shared in chat:
  • inflatable/textured wiggle seats recommended by local pediatric/OT
  • St Paul Public Library libguide, Resources and Outreach for Diffabled: Community Resources and Potential Partners
  • Your state Talking Book Center will be very familiar with helping people who can't read due to visual or physical disability. Access your local affiliate on Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.