29. ALSC Blog Series by Patricia Twarogowski “ Book the event room for an extra ½ hour for parents to socialize” “ Attend local chapter meetings of the Autism Society and the Down Syndrome Association” “ Double visuals” (book/puppet/flannel) Use as many visuals as possible
30. Music- sensitivity to music, low key music Allergies – no food Flexibility E-mail reminders Timing – Saturday mornings seem to work well Not as bright lighting Rug or carpet squares Pillows/stuffed animals
Are you hoping to expand services to youth with disabilities in your community? Are you interested in offering sensory storytimes for children with disabilities or special needs in the public library? Charlotte Mecklenburg library staff along with a couple of community partners will hold a panel discussion on sensory programming. Workshop participants will gain ideas that include: getting sensory storytimes started in the public library; partnering with local community agencies and schools; holding focus groups and learning from parents about programming needs; and connecting with others offering sensory programming. Participants will receive program ideas/outlines; information about creating sensory programming kits; suggestions for creating a family contact distribution list; and booklists to consider for the library collection. In addition, participants will gain information from community panelists about services and what the public library can offer for youth with disabilities or special needs.