Special Needs and Inclusive Library Services (SNAILS)

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...

Hot off the press! The latest edition of the Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids  has just been published online, and Toys "R" Us is currently taking orders for the print edition. This guide is developed in collaboration with  Lekotek play specialists who evaluate and recommend toys according to their developmental benefits. While the information focuses on the needs of kids with disabilities, the toys are not adapted in any way so the guide is helpful for parents of children of all abilities! I've ordered a box of 250 guides to share between us at our October meeting in Glenview. While I don't find the print version to be very popular with my sensory storytime families, you are welcome to place an order for a full box to share with your community partners and patrons.