This course consists of 7 on-demand modules:
Module 1: Foundations of Accessibility and Neuro-inclusivity
This foundational module will provide you with background about accessibility and the history of people with disabilities living in the United States. Review key federal U.S. legislation and policies that guide compliance and accessibility of public library services. Analyze the nuance and misconceptions of disability related language, review the three main models of disability, and identify important need-to-know terms related to disability justice and neuro-inclusion. Discover using online tools that connect you with local, statewide, and national disability community data that will help you advocate for library services and funding opportunities. You will also take the time to reflect and evaluate your own personal experiences with disability and ableism to build stronger awareness of accessibility.
Module 2: Serving and Supporting Communication Differences
In this module, you will learn about the wide variety of communication differences that exist and how to support individuals with disabilities with those differences. Gain an understanding about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and explore strategies and tools that are available to support individuals who use AAC. Learn about plain language and how it can be utilized to enhance accessibility of your library’s website content and marketing material. Learn how you can adapt your existing language and communication strategies in everyday conversations to be more inclusive of others’ communication differences. By the end of this module, you will be more confident in your approach to communication across platforms, formats, and modalities.
Module 3: Serving and Supporting Physical Disabilities
The most common disability experience according to the U.S. Census is mobility and physical disabilities. In this module, learn about the 21 types of disabilities and examine how libraries can improve their physical buildings to be more welcoming and accessible. Learn about the difference between compliance, accessibility, and universal design and acquire strategies to make library spaces more welcoming to all. Explore examples of assistive technologies and other services that serve and support the needs of individuals with physical disabilities. Build your awareness and skills in supporting respectful customer service interactions and evaluate best practices for developing a library Request for Accommodations form.
Module 4: Serving and Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patrons
Over 11 million people in the United States are either Deaf or Hard of Hearing and have a right to inclusive experiences in public libraries. In this module, learn about Deaf Culture and explore strategies for inclusive 1:1 interactions with those who speak American Sign Language (ASL), are Deaf, and/or Hard of Hearing. Gather best practices for library services, including technology, accessible collections, and equipment that your library needs to support the needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Learn how hearing dogs provide important assistance and how to support legal and equitable use of service dogs in the library.
Module 5: Serving and Supporting Intellectual Disabilities
People with intellectual disabilities deserve opportunities for choice, self-determination, independence, and dignity. Public libraries can be a strong partner and community support. In this module, learn about the Olmstead Act and concept of person-centered design and how these guidelines can be applied to developing engaging and participatory volunteer and job opportunities for people with disabilities in libraries. Analyze examples of library policies that support vulnerable adults and re-evaluate your library’s summer reading program to be more inclusive of all reading levels and interests. Gain best practices for building relationships and setting appropriate boundaries during customer service interactions and learn how you can support positive peer-to-peer experiences for people with development disabilities in the library.
Module 6: Serving Patrons with Mental Illness and Supporting Mental Health
An estimated 1 in 5 adults live with mental health conditions, and mental illness is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In this module, identify what diagnoses are considered mental illness and learn how to support and serve library patrons with these “invisible disabilities.” Dissect the stigma of mental health and discover important community and online resources for your library and community. Explore the benefits of library services, such as Calming Spaces, Social Narratives, Social Services partnerships, and Mental Health Month campaigns to support community members. Learn about the important role that trauma plays in a person’s everyday mental health and gain strategies for supporting positive and safe patron interactions.
Module 7: Serving and Supporting Neurodivergent Patrons
The concept of neurodiversity takes the current disability framework and expands it to be more diverse, inclusive, and empowering. In this last module of the series, identify key terms and explore various neurodivergent identities and experiences, such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder, Sensory Processing Differences, Synesthesia, and more. Explore strategies for adapting your communication to be more effective and welcoming to neurodivergent patrons, and learn about sensory tools that support visiting the library. By the end of this module, you will be ready to advocate for increased accessibility and neuro-inclusion for patrons with disabilities at your library.
Available starting October 27, 2025
On-Demand Online Course
16 Credit Hours
Recommended for program and outreach librarians and other stakeholders involved in creating library programs and services. This course is appropriate for all levels of library staff.