Creating Inclusive Libraries for Patrons and Employees

Libraries are hubs of access, collaboration, and inclusion within communities. As library teams aim to continue to meet the preferences and needs of the communities they serve, pursuing understanding of how to create neurodivergent-affirming spaces and offerings for neurodivergent patrons as well as employees is essential. Considerations related to communication, interpersonal, sensory, and behavioral preferences and characteristics will be offered, and universal approaches to increase inclusiveness across these domains will be discussed. Case presentations will allow for interactive opportunities for attendees to generate inclusive and responsive approaches that may align with their library’s patrons,  employees, and communities.

About the Presenters:

Dr. Sine Rofofsky has been a librarian and educator since 1998, working in academic, public, school, and special libraries at all levels. As part of his studies and work, he focuses on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), with a particular interest in sociocultural differences and specifically serving those who are Neurodivergent. He also serves as a peer specialist and advocates for the needs of all to achieve equity.

Dr. Lauren Lestremau Allen (she/her) is a Licensed Psychologist (NY, MD), Licensed Behavior Analyst(NY), Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.  She is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator in the SUNY Empire State University Applied Behavior Analysis Master of Science program and the Assistant Director of the SUNY Empire Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES), both of which prioritize
compassionate, value-driven care, and client self-advocacy and autonomy. She is a former program director and continues on the Program Services team at the Ivymount School, a K-12 special education school in Maryland, where she served K-12 students with disabilities and their families. She has also supported Autistic, Neurodivergent, and disabled clients and their families and teams across home, clinic, and outpatient hospital settings. Dr. Allen is on the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis board, acting as the Chair of the Student Activities Committee, and is a Hub Team member with ECHO Autism: Education. Dr. Allen is committed to high quality service and support delivery for Autistic individuals and individuals with developmental disabilities and is passionate about training professionals to provide affirming and client-centered care.

Related LibGuide: Diversity Equity Inclusion

Date:

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Time:

2:00pm - 3:30pm

Categories:

  Continuing Education     Remote Event