The Deerfield Public Library was recognized at the Tenth Annual North Suburban Special Education District’s 2010 – 2011 Best Practice Initiative award ceremony this week for its innovative program “Sensory Storytime: Stories and Emergent Literacy Activities for Special Needs Children.” This is the first time that a public library has been recognized by NSSED.
Funded by a grant from Target Foundation and developed by Youth Services Librarian Renee Grassi, this non-traditional storytime is designed to engage all the senses through music, movement, stories and play. “We designed the program for children with autism, learning disorders or those who have challenges with sitting still,” said Grassi. “The children interacted with trained staff and teen volunteers to practice skill-building in a multi-sensory approach.”
But it’s so much more than that. According to parent Neil Burmeister, Sensory Storytime allowed his special needs child to experience the Library like a typical child. “It’s a challenge every day to find ways to help children with special needs experience their community like typical children do. Sensory Storytime at the Deerfield Public Library, under Renee’s leadership, gave us the chance to be at the Library and enjoy all of its benefits while still meeting our son’s needs. I’m a fan!”
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“We are thrilled about the support the Library has received from parents in the community for Sensory Storytime,” says Grassi. “There is a real need for programs that welcome children with special needs, and a library is the perfect gathering place for those programs. Our goal is to reach out to underserved members of the community, and this program helps achieves that goal.”
On May 14th, the Library builds on its success with “Read to Rover – A Special Needs Storytime” featuring “Adventures with Bailey,” a group of special guest therapy dogs trained to work specifically with special needs kids. “These wonderful dogs are the perfect reading buddies for children with special needs,” says Grassi. “We’re all looking forward to it.” Interested parents should register their children in advance.
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The Deerfield Public Library provides the community with open access to the world of information and ideas, encouraging lifelong learning and personal growth in a welcoming environment. Located at 920 Waukegan Road, the Library is open seven days a week and its catalog, research resources, calendar of events and reading recommendations for children and adults in available 24 hours a day at www.deeerfieldlibrary.org.
