Topic 5: Resources

According to Autism Speaks, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. As librarians, we aim to serve all patrons and as our demographic changes, we need to be equipped to serve the rising population of patrons with ASD.

Targeted resources for libraries are identified within this section for librarians to easily access and share with other librarians, families, people with ASD, and schools. In addition to the resource section of Project ENABLE, this section provides brief video clips, testimonials, print, and multimedia resources for training purposes and community outreach links to enhance user-friendly access for ASD patrons. These resources may also be beneficial in conducting a community needs assessment at your own library.

This section demonstrates that libraries:

• Are accessible for all;
• Provide resources for individuals and families impacted by ASD
• Work together with community agencies to provide services and resources for ASD

These resources may also:

• Increase awareness within the community about patrons with ASD
• Increase outreach available to patrons with ASD
• Educate the general population about ASD

Equity for all is important; unfortunately, we are not always able to identify patrons with disabilities. Therefore, it is critical for libraries to reach out to all community members in a way that is welcoming and inclusive. Providing options for programs and publicizing accessibility is essential for those patrons to feel welcome. Market the programs on your webpage, blog, Twitter feed, and reach out to area schools, doctor's offices, the YMCA , Scouts, and other local organizations who may be interested in partnering.

Activity: You have been hired as a middle school librarian and the principal has asked you to present a professional development program to a group of librarians. Your new school has a larger than average population of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and has designed the

library and its programming to be accommodating for those students. How would you design your professional development that includes the use of community resources to best suit your librarian colleagues and enhance their libraries, making them more user friendly to students with ASD?