Libraries and Autism

One of the events that I attended at ALA 2009 was the ASCLA Presidents program. Besides a speaker, they presented awards. The ASCLA/KLAS/NOD award went to a project titled “Libraries and Autism We’re connected.” This is what they say about the award on their webpage.

"This national award, co-sponsored by ASCLA (Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies), the Keystone Library Automation System and the National Organization on Disability, is presented annually to a library organization chosen for its exemplary service to people with disabilities. It recognizes an innovative and well-organized project which successfully developed or expanded services for people with disabilities."

There is a website that the project developed for the project. The home page talks about the project and the publicity and awards it has received. Other resources on the page are—

A video that can be used in staff training to help them understand Autism and give them information on how to better serve individuals with autism and their families. The video is just over nineteen and a half minutes.

There is a page of resources that can be used to communicate with people with autism.

The Links page leads you to resources such as books, organizations, and websites.

On the Expand your Knowledge page there are blogs and newspaper or magazine articles about autism.

Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals with a wide range of symptoms. Approximately 1 in 150 children are affected by Autism. Our libraries need to understand this disorder and be able to serve these children and their families. Study the information on this website and share it with your staff. Provide training to staff on autism awareness. Make your library welcoming to all.