This course will provide information and resources for libraries of all sizes and budgets looking to design their own sensory-friendly programming for children with autism and other sensory processing challenges. Presented by 2016 ASCLA/KLAS/NOD award winners Kate DeVoe and Kelly Doolittle, this informative training session will introduce participants to Tompkins County Public Library’s “Adapt and Include” programs—Sensory Storytime, Sensory Films and the ever-popular Sensory Station. Participants will learn how to leverage the expertise of community partners to develop and strengthen inclusion-based program offerings and how to make all library programs more inclusive.

Learners will:

• Learn how to build their own Sensory Storytime and other sensory-friendly programs such as Sensory-Friendly Films
• Learn strategies for making all library programs more inclusive and sensory-friendly, such as creating Social Stories and visual schedules
• Gain ideas for passive sensory-friendly offerings such as a Sensory Station
• Learn how community partnerships and outreach can expand their Sensory Storytime
• Receive information about resources and materials they can use to develop their own programs

Instructors

Kate DeVoe is a Youth Services Librarian for Tompkins County Public Library in Ithaca, New York, where she has worked since 2012. In 2014 Kate began “Sensory Storytime” with colleague Kelly Doolittle, and in 2015 received a grant for their project “Adapt & Include” that allowed TCPL to expand its sensory-friendly services. Kate and Kelly recently received the 2016 ASCLA/Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS) & National Organization on Disability (NOD) Award for the “Adapt & Include” project.

Kelly Doolittle is a Library Assistant for Tompkins County Public Library in Ithaca, New York, where she has served since 2001. Kelly previously served as a Library Page and then Library Clerk before starting a new career in the Youth Services Department as Library Assistant in 2009. She is excited to encourage para-professionals to explore Sensory Friendly programming.

Fee: FREE to RRLC & ESLN members;$15 non-members (non member registration opens September 1)