Programming for Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Why and How

Often residential and day programs for people with developmental disabilities bring clients to their local public library to visit, however, these groups don't really engage with the library's many services or programs. Adults with developmental disabilities also come to the library on their own. Many times, individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are directed to youth services and not the adult departments which are more appropriate. This confusion could present a barrier to offering these patrons more than just a place to visit.

Would you like to offer programming for adults with developmental disabilities rather than just a place to visit? Join us for this one-hour webinar devoted to an exploration of a range of topics related to programming in your libraries for the adults with developmental disabilities in your community. Presenters Carrie Banks (Brooklyn Public Library) and Barbara Klipper (Autism Welcome Here grant) will cover the barriers and benefits of programming, best practices, and what is meant by a “culture of inclusion.” They’ll also leave you with some sample program ideas you can bring to your library and give you a preview of what else will be covered in the book on this subject they are currently writing for the publishing division of ALA. And, of course, there will be time for your questions and concerns to be voiced and addressed.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

• Be able to identify at least three things that keep many libraries from offering adequate programming and services to adults with developmental disabilities, as well as responses to those barriers
• Be familiar with what is meant by a library “culture of inclusion” and how it supports programming
• Understand the importance of involving self-advocates in planning and implementation, and of partnering with organizations in the community
• Be able to identify at least three types of library programs that would be fun and interesting for an adult with developmental disabilities. 

This webinar will be of interest to: Public library directors, adult services, outreach and programming librarians and library staff.

This webinar is made possible by a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Lifelong Learning Continuing Education grant and Infopeople, the Califa training arm in collaboration with Syracuse University and Project ENABLE.

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Presentation Material

Speakers' slides - PPT

Speakers' slides - PDF

Best Practices

Partnerships

Resources

Virtural Accessibility 

Transcript (machine readable text file)