Including families of children with special needs : a how-to-do-it manual for librarians

How can library programs and services include children with disabilities and their families? This how-to covers partnering and collaborating with parents and other professionals; developing special collections and resources; assessing competencies and skills; principles underlying family-centered services and resource-based practices; and the interrelationship of early intervention, special education, and library service. The authors' "can-do" attitude will help you deliver the best services for children with disabilities regardless of available resources. Checklists, clear strategies, anecdotes and stories based on real experiences, descriptions of model programs and resources, and an overview of appropriate Internet sites and services help you implement the suggestions provided. Appendixes include an extensive bibliography, a development milestone checklist, and a listing of state resources.This how-to will prove valuable not only to children's services librarians, outreach librarians, and library administrators, but also early intervention and family support professionals, early childhood and special educators, childcare workers, daycare and after school program providers, and policy makers.

What's inclusion all about? -- What does the law say? -- Developmentally appropriate library services -- Resource-based practice and inclusion -- Multiple intelligences and universal design -- Assessing your staff and library -- Staff training -- Community involvement -- Designing library services for all children -- Assistive and adaptive technology -- Playing and learning : in the library and at home -- Resource centers for children, families, and other professionals -- Electronic resources.