Ep. 202 Creating Autism-Friendly Libraries Through Sensory Audits

You can now use the survey link below AND text us your feedback via Buzzsprout with this link right here!!Sunshine & Stories Episode 202: Creating Autism-Friendly Libraries Through Sensory Audits Episode Summary: Kate Compton and Suzi Tonini chat with Gloria Perez Alvarez and Terri Faulkner from Jefferson County Public Library about their innovative sensory audit process for creating autism-friendly library spaces. Discover how they're partnering with local autism organizations to evaluate everything from parking lots to programming, and learn practical tips for making your own library more welcoming to neurodivergent patrons. 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Inspiration for conducting sensory audits 05:09 - How to conduct a sensory audit 08:52- Lessons learned from sensory audits 13:06 - Ideas for low-cost and/or easy-to-implement accommodations 15:30 - How to build staff’s awareness of the need for sensory accommodations 18:42 - Feedback from patrons about sensory-friendly improvements 24:02 - Advice for librarians on how to get started with creating a sensory-friendly libraryResources: Autism Community Store Autism Is Welcome Here: The Access Approach to Inclusion (webinar) Autism Society of Colorado Bridges Learning Systems (curriculum for neurodivergent youth) Firefly Autism Sensory Friendly Space Checklist (Bridges Learning System) Sensory Accessibility Checklist (Association of Children’s Museums) Sensory Accessibility Checklist (Autism Community Store) Sensory materials toolkit Tell us what you think! If you give us a listen, please let us know what you think by completing a short feedback survey for this episode. CSL projects like this one are funded in part by the Grants to States program administered by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the Colorado State Library, Institute of Museum and Library Services, or the U.S. Government.