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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 library

Resources:
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

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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.