Outside of the library, I have volunteered as a Parent Member for CPSE and CSE in my local school district. I acted as a liaison/advocate between the school district and parents of students who are/will be receiving Special Education services. This has opened me up to a world of understanding in dealing with children and families touched by autism and spectrum disorders.
Children are special, and every child that comes into the library is special in his or her own way. I've had the opportunity to attend a few recent workshops that dealt specifically with Autism and libraries and tools to serve everyone better. Sensory Storytime is simply storytime with a sensory "kick". Once I learned about it, I loved it and decided to implement these ideas immediately. Not only did this approach appeal to children with special needs, but they appealed to everyone in the room (caregivers and myself included). Adding visual cues, active participation, and lots of movement, I have aimed to bring a few fun, new, and sensational sensory tools to my programs. So far it has brought a room full of added laughs and smiles. I consider that a measure of success!