Cape Girardeau Public Library developed programs in service of patrons with special needs through funds granted by a Spotlight on Literacy Grant. Renee Jackson discusses the planning, implementation, and future considerations of this successful program.

Creating a welcoming physical space at the library to support adults with autism.

Understanding autism and how libraries can be welcoming.

Does your public library struggle with patrons who are homeless, addicted, and mentally ill? This super practical webinar taught how to engage problematic homeless patrons with confidence and compassion. The presenter, Ryan Dowd, has spent his career running a large homeless shelter outside of Chicago and is the author of the ALA book, “The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness.”

How to enhance communication with patrons who are on the autism spectrum.

This webinar would cover solutions that sometimes occur when dealing with clients with autism including: What are some of the potential challenging behaviors librarians might see? How can a librarian help a parent/caregiver when an adult with autism has a challenging behavior? How can the library staff not feel scared, remain calm, and calm down other patrons when an adult with autism is having a challenging behavior? How does the librarian know when a parent/caregiver needs more help (with their adult with autism during a challenging behavior), and what’s the best way to provide that help? How should a librarian interact with a client with autism, so they can mitigate challenging behaviors? Which interactions are more likely to have a positive influence (on an adult with autism) vs. an influence that might cause anxiety, confusion and challenging behaviors?

In this webinar, participants will learn common characteristics of patrons with autism. In addition, we will discuss ways to enhance their library experience by creating supportive sensory environments, effective communication tools, and proactive behavior strategies.

The Missouri State Library has partnered with the Monarch Institute to have a webinar that focuses on Neurodiversity in the workplace. In this webinar, participants will learn ways to create an inclusive workplace for people who are neurodivergent. Participants will discuss neurodiversity, universal accommodations, as well as how to talk about specific accommodations with employees.

Mandi Rickelman, MA, the Director of the Welcoming Spaces Program at Monarch Center for Autism, a division of Bellefaire JCB, and Jenna Winkelman, M.A. is an individual with Autism pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology discuss the difference between awareness vs acceptance.

Mandi Rickelman, MA, the Director of the Welcoming Spaces Program at Monarch Center for Autism, a division of Bellefaire JCB, and Jenna Winkelman, M.A. is an individual with Autism pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology discuss the importance of asking questions, not just make assumptions.

Kim Cohen is a dedicated mother residing in Pepper Pike, Ohio, where she cherishes moments with her two children, eight-year-old Quinn, who is on the autism spectrum, and four-year-old Jax, Mandi Rickelman, MA, the Director of the Welcoming Spaces Program at Monarch Center for Autism, a division of Bellefaire JCB. Welcoming Spaces Program, continue their discussion on challenges that can occur during story times.

Kim Cohen is a dedicated mother residing in Pepper Pike, Ohio, where she cherishes moments with her two children, eight-year-old Quinn, who is on the autism spectrum, and four-year-old Jax, Mandi Rickelman, MA, the Director of the Welcoming Spaces Program at Monarch Center for Autism, a division of Bellefaire JCB. Welcoming Spaces Program, discuss the challenges that can occur during story times.

This month our mini conversation is with Mandi Rickelman and Miranda Weinkauf. Miranda resides on a farm southeastern Wisconsin with her family of 5. They have 3 boys, and oldest, Rexy on the spectrum. They are growing together and trying to pave a way for their boy to have a place in this world.