PROMOTING INCLUSIVITY AND AUTISM ACCEPTANCE AT THE LIBRARY

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a month to promote both education about the differences of people with autism and appreciation for those differences. Individuals with autism may have difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication or experience uncommon responses to sensory stimuli. Autistic people also often demonstrate a highly attuned sense of justice, creative problem solving skills and expertise in their social interests.

As part of the Palm Beach County Library System’s mission to connect communities, inspire thought and enrich lives, special activities and events have been tailored to individuals on the spectrum. The Library developed Sensory Friendly Browsing events to ensure individuals with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the use of the Library and its services in a safe and welcoming environment. In 2022, the Library earned the distinction of becoming an Autism Friendly Business with recognition of staff’s fulfillment of training by the Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD).

The Library has an ever-growing assortment of activities dedicated to all ages on the autism spectrum, such as Virtual Sensory Story Time (VSST). These activities provide an opportunity to engage members through an inclusive and interactive Zoom storytime complete with books, songs and sensory activities.

As part of the VSST experience, all branches of our Library offer special sensory storytime bags to enhance the curriculum of VSST. The bags’ contents include a scarf, squishy ball, shaker eggs, two stick puppets, printed song lyrics and finger plays (while supplies last).

Thanks to the support of the Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System, Inc. and with help from a generous grant provided by the Autism Services Grant Council, fresh additional storytime bags were able to be produced. You can support the Autism Services Grant Council by switching your license plate to the Florida Support Autism Programs License Plate which helps ensure vital programs like ours can continue to support the autistic community. Get your plate by visiting www.autismlicenseplate.com.

See pages 10 & 11 for this month’s special needs activities.