Special Needs and Inclusive Library Services (SNAILS)

A note from our friends... Applications are being accepted for the  Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More grant now through December 1, 2018.  This grant honors the groundbreaking work of Libraries and Autism: We're Connected co-founder, Meg Kolaya , for her contributions in promoting inclusion, connecting libraries with the autism community, and bringing awareness of the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families to the library community. For the fourth year, this grant will award a total of $5,000, with all of the funds either going to one proposal or the amount divided among several applicants, depending on the applications received. All types of libraries, either in the United States or Canada, are encouraged to apply, and proposals will be eligble  that fund projects and/or services directed at any age group. Applicants may propose to initiate a new, creative program or service,  or enhance a program o...

Registration for the 2018 Targeting Autism Forum is now open!  This fourth and final two-day intensive will take place in Springfield, Illinois on Thursday, May 17 and Friday, May 18, 2018.  Suzanne Schriar and Russ Bonanno will kick off the two-day forum and introduce the keynote speakers: Susan Senator Journey Into Autism Adulthood: Creative Insights & Strategies for a Fulfilling Life Gyasi Burks-Abbott, Stephanie Diorio, Erin Miller, Charlie Remy and Mitch Silverman Librarians on the Spectrum: On Helping Make Libraries Inclusive Morénike Giwa Onaiwu At the Intersection of Being Black, Female and Autistic Amanda Marti Building Community Engagement Samuel Senyo Dogoe Autism & Libraries in Ghana Kerry Magro Journey to Adulthood on the Spectrum Nancy Bolt Advocating That All Be Served: the U.N., IFLA, A Survey and Library Service to People with Disabilities Sujin Huggins Autism & Libraries in Trinidad Kathy Claybough, Cathy Hoffman,...

The Illinois State Library is currently accepting registrations for the third Targeting Autism Forum , to be held at the Illinois State Library, in Springfield, Illinois, on May 11-12, 2017 . The Illinois State Library was awarded two grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to help libraries better serve patrons and family members impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Phase I, Targeting Autism: A National Forum on Serving Library Patrons on the Spectrum received funding through an IMLS National Leadership Grant. Through two stakeholder forums, this phase of the project – was designed to explore how libraries can work with diverse community organizations and programs to increase their role in supporting patrons and family members impacted by ASD. Phase II of the project, now underway – Targeting Autism: A Comprehensive Training and Education Program for Librarians is funded through an IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grant to de...

The Illinois State Library (ISL) has received an IMLS  Leadership Grant to explore how libraries across the state can best serve people affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The goal is to develop an action plan for libraries to increase autism awareness, education, and support services; establish sustainable partnerships; and improve access to information about autism. Some of our very own SNAILS members will be participating in the Targeting Autism forums this year. The exciting news is that everyone can participate in the project by taking the Targeting Autism survey .   According to ISL Associate Director Suzanne Schriar, "the purpose of the survey is to better understand your needs, priorities, and interests around ASD in order to guide the development and delivery of ASD information services by community libraries across the state. Please share the  survey  [which is available in English and Spanish]  with your patrons, friends and all I...

Illinois needs librarians!  Make a difference in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community and participate in Targeting Autism , the Illinois State Library's ground-breaking grant project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Service. In September of 2014, the Illinois State Library received a $100,000 National Leadership Grant (NLG) award to hold two inter-organizational forums to develop strategies to increase the role of all types of libraries to support their patrons and family members who are impacted by ASD. Two forums will be held on March 4-5 and September 3-4, 2015 at the University of Illinois in Springfield.   Participants will include roughly 80 individuals who represent libraries, autism organizations, educational institutions and a variety of other stakeholder groups. This is a wonderful opportunity for librarians across the state to apply to be a part of this process.  There is a limited amount of spaces for forum participants, so don't...