Thank you to ALA Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) blogger Renee Grassi for the information that appears below. Don’t forget that Renee Grassi will be presenting a free Minitex webinar on “Developing Inclusive Library Services to Teens with Disabilities” at 10 AM on September 20, 2017. More information about that webinar is here.
If your library is looking to fund a new project or service that welcomes people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at your library, consider the Autism Welcome Here Grant.
The “Autism Welcome Here: Library Programs, Services and More” grant honors the groundbreaking work of Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected co-founder, Meg Kolaya, for her contributions in promoting inclusion, connecting libraries with the autism community, and bringing awareness of the needs of individuals with ASD and their families to the library community. It is sponsored by Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected.
All types of libraries, either in the U.S. or Canada, are encouraged to apply. Proposals can fund projects or services directed at any age group. Applicants may propose to initiate a new, creative program or service, bring an established, successful program or service to their library for the first time, or enhance a program or service that they currently offer. All proposed projects must benefit people with ASD or their families, directly or indirectly.
Looking for inspiration and ideas for your application? Check out the 2016-2017 First Year Grant Winners, along with the impressive results and resources they have created about their grant funded project. Be sure to also peruse the 2017-018 Second Year Grant Winner as well.
The Autism Welcome Here Grant Committee is officially accepting applications until the deadline on December 1, 2017. Questions? Contact Barbara Klipper at .
Submitted by Kris Adams Wendt.