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...

A pplication deadline for 2017 Grant: December 1, 2017 Grant Description Each year, a total of $5,000.00 will be awarded. Depending on the applications received, one grant for the full amount or multiple grants for smaller amounts totaling $5,000.00 may be awarded. Any type of library can apply and the proposal can fund projects and services for any age group. Applicants may propose to initiate a new, creative program or service, bring an already-existing, successful program or service to their library for the first time, or enhance a program or service they already offer. All programs or services proposed must benefit people with autism or their families, directly or indirectly. Funds may be used to hire a trainer to present a workshop, to buy program materials, to pay for staff, etc. DOWNLOAD THE GRANT APPLICATION HERE DOWNLOAD THE GRANT SAMPLE BUDGET HERE Applications, budget sheets, institutional letters of support and any other supporti...

Here's another event you don't want to miss! Family Action Network is hosting Steve Silberman, the author of NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity , which was recently awarded the 2015 Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction . I haven't read the book yet, but the advance reading copy is loaded on my Kindle and calling out to me. According to Mr. Silberman's publisher, Neurotribes is "a groundbreaking book that upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently." Does it call to you, too? Mr. Silberman's upcoming lecture entitled, "Different, Not Less: NeuroTribes and the Future of Neurodiversity" will take place on  Tuesday, December 1, 2015, 7:00 PM  at New Trier High School, Northfield Campus - Cornog Auditorium (7 Happ Rd. Northfield, Illinois 60093). The presentation is sponsored by the Center...

Since SNAILS began in 2013, we have hosted a variety of knowledgeable guest speakers to provide training and learning for our members.  What makes the SNAILS networking group unique is that we go the extra mile to record parts of our meeting and share them online to provide opportunities for professional development to those that can't be with us in person.  You don't have to be a youth services librarian to learn something from these presentations--library staff from any type of library serving any age group can learn from these guest speakers.  Whether you weren't able to make the trip to one of our Illinois library meeting locations, or you're from out of state and want to see what you can apply to your own library community, we have something for everyone! Here's a short list of links to videos featuring guest presenters: Giant Steps : Music therapist Kylie Kirksey from Giant Steps shares tips for using music in library programs to engage children on t...

  Wednesday, November 11, 2015  9:30 AM to 11:00 AM (CST) Cost: FREE! Schaumburg Township District Library 130 South Roselle Road Schaumburg, IL 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.  Programming through Partnership for Adults with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome will showcase a dynamic panel discussion fea turing Kate Niehoff, Program & Outreach Coordinator fr om Schaumburg Township District Library (STDL) and Targeting Autism Forum participant . This panel will f ocus on a series of programs at STDL targeted on 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 a...

  The " Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More " grant is sponsored by Libraries and Autism: We're Connected. This grant honors the groundbreaking work of Libraries and Autism co-founder Meg Kolaya for her contributions in promoting inclusion, connecting libraries and the autism community, and bringing awareness of the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families to the library community. * Apply Online Here Grant Description Each year, a total of $5,000.00 will be awarded. Depending on the applications received, one grant for the full amount or multiple grants for smaller amounts totaling $5,000.00 may be awarded. Any type of library can apply and the proposal can fund projects and services for any age group. Applicants may propose to initiate a new, creative program or service, bring an already-existing, successful program or service to their library for the first time, or enhance a program or servic...