Illinois State Library

The Illinois State Library will develop and deliver an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) training program to improve library service and programs for the ASD community. Librarians will learn how to design physical spaces, provide necessary accommodations, and create library services and programs that support the resource and recreational needs of individuals with ASD of all ages. The project will provide in-library site visits and consultations to libraries throughout the state to better inform the development of library ASD service plans and will deliver a train-the-trainer, in-person workshop to 1-2 representatives from 50 libraries in Illinois through a partnership with Dominican University. Illinois State Library will also partner with Syracuse University to create a cluster of customized online ASD learning modules for the existing Project ENABLE website that will be available to library professionals nationwide. Finally, Illinois State Library will hold two annual forums for ASD practitioners, multi-type librarians, and other stakeholders to educate, strengthen collaboration, and build on the national network of support for expanding ASD library services.