Accessibility Topics at Illinois' "A Library State of Mind" Conference

Looking to learn about outreach and serving patrons inclusively and accessibly at this year's state library conference?  Join other public, school, academic, and special libraries at this year's conference "A Library State of Mind" where we will connect, network and learn together about serving ALL of our community members.



Getting Started with Outreach In Your Community 
Thursday, October 22 at 10:45 am
This interactive class will provide a background in cultural competence and outreach skills as librarians make outreach efforts to underserved and minority populations in their communities. The goal of this course is to offer concrete ideas to enable librarians to initiate outreach programs with minority communities. Topics to be covered include resources for locating community demographics, the importance of developing relationships, the basics of building and developing community-based partnerships, recognition and acceptance of cultural differences, and the importance of cultural competency. Participants will engage in group discussions to explore models for developing their own programs.

Turning Outward: Community Engagement and Strategic Planning  
Thursday, October 22 at 10:45 am
Turning Outward: it's about seeking and understanding the aspirations of those we serve and turning those aspirations into meaningful, strategic action. It's about working to transform ourselves and our communities. Learn about how the Indian Trails Library District, the Oak Park Public Library, and the Skokie Public Library are using the methods of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation -- with the encouragement of the American Library Association -- to engage our citizens, to develop meaningful action plans, and to prepare our libraries and our communities for the future. 

That ALL May Read
Thursday, October 22 at 1:45 pm
Enhance library services by implementing new technologies to serve students and patrons unable to read standard print. Talking Book and Braille Service, a leader in alternative format reading material has a long partnership with Illinois school, public, academic and special libraries. It provides books, players, and direct downloads to eligible individuals. Discover an innovative new app allowing immediate download to a computer or iPhone at no charge. This established partnership between a Federal program, state agency, and local libraries shows how you can join the collaboration to strengthen your community and enhance the quality of life for people underserved by libraries. 

Tiny Crafters: Art and Sensory Programs for Ages 0-5 
Thursday, October 22 at 3 pm
Art knows no age limits! While a baby or toddler’s artwork may not be hung in a museum, librarians can help facilitate sensory art exploration in an environment that encourages young children to explore their world using all five senses while practicing the five early literacy practices. Learn about how you can host a hands-on art program for children ages 0-5 and leave with a spark of inspiration.

Fairs with Flair
Thursday, October 22 at 3 pm
Want to add some flair to your programming lineup? Learn tricks and tips about incorporating fairs into your library events. This panel presentation will showcase several examples of successful fairs on the topics of Preschool, Special Needs, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), Volunteer, and BookFest. Learn how to: get community groups on board with your idea, determine what’s important to your community, engage your local schools and supplement their curricula, highlight local service groups and community organizations, and showcase the library as the center of what’s happening in your community.

Programming through Partnership for Adults with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome
Friday, October 23 at 2:45 pm
According to the CDC, one in 68 children has autism, and numbers are rising. As these kids turn 21, all of the supports and services they have been receiving under the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will no longer be available to them. Learn how the Schaumburg Township District Library implemented a successful series of programs targeted towards its adult patrons with ASD. Representatives from STDL's community partners, including the local school district, community college, autism resource center, and an involved parent of an adult son with autism will talk about the specific needs of the ASD community and how public libraries across the state can help fill some of the current gaps in service.

Targeting Autism: Libraries and Community Stakeholders Taking the Lead to Better Serve Residents with Autism
Saturday, October 24 at 1:45 pm
A panel including a public librarian and school librarian, an autism service provider, and a young woman with autism/self advocate will discuss strategies for collaboration and the power of libraries to improve the quality of life for special needs communities. Targeting Autism is an Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant Project that partners all types of libraries with various autism advocates and service providers for the purpose of helping libraries better support the large population of individuals affected by autism spectrum disorder. 

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