Libraries for All: Accessible Library Services for Children with Disabilities and their Families

To register for this webinar please follow this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7017422496892/WN_6H80xqflROSEe5WPxKUOfg. Sessions are free and available only to members of the Michigan library community. Registrants will receive instructions and a link to attend the session directly from PCI after they register.

Whether large or small, rural or urban, all library communities serve children with disabilities. Developing an awareness and understanding to the needs of kids with disabilities and their families is vital for providing relevant and impactful library services to all. This webinar shares ideas for programs, collections, and services that welcome and support kids with disabilities and their families. Attendees will also learn about ways you can make their existing library programs more inclusive for all.

As a result of this program, attendees will:

• Learn national statistics of disability prevalence in their communities
• Learn about the concepts of library accessibility, inclusion, and equity as it relates to children with disabilities
• Gather at least 5 library service ideas to support kids with disabilities and their families
• Learn at least 3 strategies to make their existing library programs more inclusive for kids with disabilities and their families

Instructor: Author, trainer, librarian, administrator, teacher, and accessibility consultant Renee Grassi is an advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in libraries, schools, and communities. As a neurodivergent librarian herself, Renee has worked in public libraries for over 17 years, developing award-winning library initiatives that welcome, support, and welcome disabled residents and their families and caregivers. Learn more at reneegrassi.com.

PCI Webinars are recorded and available to members of the Michigan library community in the Library of Michigan's Niche Staff Skills Academy about a week after they air. New webinars will be in the New category for several weeks. You do not need to register for a webinar in order to view it later in the Staff Skills Academy.

This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.