Supporting children’s sensory needs in libraries

Tuesday 20 October @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm AEDT

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One Ticket per person. This program is free. This registration will automatically register you for both sessions.

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The library environment can significantly influence the behaviour and social interactions of children with sensory processing needs.

For example, a child who has an oversensitive sensory system may avoid busy, bright or noisy places. A child with an under sensitive sensory system may enjoy more movement or tactile experiences.

Join us for this interactive workshop designed to equip library staff with practical tools to support children with sensory needs.
You’ll gain valuable insights into sensory processing, explore strategies to create inclusive environments and learn how to engage meaningfully with children experiencing sensory differences.

In this session you will learn

The characteristics of sensory seekers and sensory avoiders
How to understand responses related to sensory needs
Ways to create a sensory-sensitive environment
Strategies to support children in transitioning and self-regulating during activities

We recommend completing the Building inclusion in libraries eLearning modules before attending this workshop

These sessions are for
All public library staff across Australia

When
2 sessions; 1.5 hours each;
Session 1: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Session 2: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
(NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS timezone)

Where
Online via Zoom.
This session is open to public library staff anywhere in Australia. Joining instructions will be emailed before the program begins. If you require accessibility support, please let us know when registering.

Cost
Free

Confirmation email
You will receive an automated booking confirmation email with workshop details. If you don’t see it in your inbox, please check your Junk or Spam folder. Moving it to your inbox will help ensure future emails arrive in the right place.

Flyer
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Facilitators
Mary, Occupational Therapist and Kylie, trained peer worker who is raising a child with a disability.

Frequently asked question

Is this workshop suitable for staff who are new to the topic?

Yes. This workshop is designed for library staff with a range of experience, including those who are new to the topic. To help everyone start with a shared understanding, participants are recomended to complete the Building Inclusion in Libraries eLearning modules before the first session. The workshop builds on the information covered in the modules and focuses on practical strategies that can be applied in everyday library settings

Do I need to attend both sessions?

Yes. This workshop is delivered over two sessions, and your registration automatically enrols you in both. The sessions build on each other, so we encourage participants to attend both live sessions.
Because the sessions are interactive and recordings are not shared, we recommend attending both sessions where possible. If you’re unable to attend Session 2, we can invite you to attend that session in the next workshop round.

How do I join the online sessions?

After registering, you’ll receive information, including the Zoom link and instructions for joining the sessions. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, please check your Junk or Spam folder. Moving it to your inbox will help future emails arrive in the right place. A staff member will also send other reminders closer to the startign date. You’ll need a stable internet connection and a device that can access Zoom. Our online sessions are interactive and designed to create a safe and supportive space for everyone, so recordings are not shared.

Are the sessions recorded?

To help create a safe and respectful space for discussion, recordings are not shared with participants.
Sessions may be recorded for internal training and quality assurance purposes only. Any recordings are kept confidential and are not used for public purposes. Participants are also asked to respect the privacy of others by keeping group discussions confidential.

Can I ask questions during the sessions?

Yes. You are welcome to ask questions, discuss situations you have encountered in your work and hear from parent peer workers and other library staff.

Will I receive a certificate of attendance?

Participants who attend both workshop sessions will receive a certificate of attendance after the workshop.
To help us accurately record attendance, please sign in to Zoom using the same name you used when registering for the workshop. We use this information to confirm attendance before certificates are issued. If someone else will be attending in your place, please let us know before the workshop.

Contact details	For more information, please feel free to contact Marg, Libraries project team leader, at margaret@plumtree.org.au
Funding	The Libraries as Community Connectors project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

About Plumtree

Plumtree is a not-for-profit, community-based organisation supporting children with developmental delay, disability and their families. For more than 40 years, we’ve worked alongside families through therapy, parent peer support, playgroups, workshops and community programs. We believe families are the experts on their child, and our professional team and parent peer workers work in partnership with families to support children’s participation, learning and everyday life.

Supporting children’s sensory needs in libraries

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