Description
Key purpose of the project is to increase the level of competence of librarians in servicing readers with communication disorders (people with autism - PA), as well as to overcome the barrier in PA access to cultural activities and services offered by libraries. PA frequently are in good physical shape, but due to communication problems and unprepared library staff they cannot easily benefit from the resources of cultural institutions. Project objective is to counteract exclusion of PA development of professional skills of librarians. PA will be actively involved in creating solutions at each stage of the project (creating project website, training agenda, graphic design of visual information system for library space, and proposed modification of interior design in libraries). At the same time, it will have therapeutic effect for PA, who will become more independent. 30 people with autism and representatives of 40 libraries across the country will participate in project activities.
Summary of project results
"Poland has about 30,000 autism/ Asperger syndrome patients, the latter a similar disorder with milder course. With intellectual abilities usually up to standard, the communication disorders they suffer of may cause negative social reactions, and preclude them from library use. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that library staff are not trained in providing services to such readers. The main project goal was to improve librarian competencies in the field of autistic reader service, and to overcome difficulties encountered by such readers when accessing library resources and educational and cultural services. Forty-nine librarians were trained; tools helpful in using library resources were designed: an interactive map of friendly libraries, signage materials, special reader cards, a library tool-kit (guidelines and glossary facilitating library staff contact, surfing the web, other services), 6 training films, 2 booklets and 2 boards illustrating library resources and library behaviour codes, a board game motivating autistic readers to visit libraries, and a library staff manual. Nineteen visits to libraries and 50 meetings with autistic readers were organised (for a total of 31 disabled persons) to identify issues with independent use of library space and to test all designed supplies. Two training sessions on working with autistic readers were held for librarians from all over Poland (49 participants); a downloadable content website was set up (service aids, training films, board game, manual for autistic readers and librarians). Forty aid toolkits were designed and delivered to 38 participant libraries. The “Librarian"" was published in 400 copies. Beneficiaries included 49 librarians and 31 autistic readers; materials enable concept promotion and facilitate librarian-autistic reader co-operation throughout Poland. The Partner's experience in working with autistic persons was used in meetings with autistic readers and training sessions for library staff."
Summary of bilateral results