Illinois State Library

The Illinois State Library will manage a National Leadership Forum Grant to explore how libraries can assist communities to address the topic of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This project will provide a model to develop partnerships with multi-type libraries, education, government, medical and ASD services organizations, and other organizations whose work intersects with this special needs population. Two forums will convene in Springfield IL, in March and September 2015 to: 1) develop an implementation plan to increase autism awareness, education and support services; 2) develop an implementation plan to improve and streamline on-line access to the wealth of information that provides support for families and individuals with ASDs; and 3) establish sustainable, inter-organizational partnerships committed to enhancing ASD support statewide.