About this course and module contents
An accessible public library helps children with disabilities thrive. This online course helps library staff to enhance inclusion and the library experience for children aged 0–6 years with a disability and their families. Some strategies, videos and resources included can also make libraries more welcoming for all visitors.
It was co-designed with library staff, parents of children with a disability or developmental delay, allied health and early childhood professionals, and incorporates children’s opinions.
Some content and resources also may be useful for:
- Staff and volunteers working with older children in other community services
- Early childhood intervention practitioners
- Allied health professionals
- Parents and carers
- Library staff at schools
Course features
- Six modules
- Practical examples and strategies that support inclusion
- Videos
- Downloadable resources (click the “Materials” tab when available)
- Links to useful resources and further reading
- Evaluation tools
- Certificate of completion—receive a certificate after completing all modules
This self-paced course was previously named after its project, Libraries as community connectors.
Using the e-learning course
This online course is self-paced to complete in your own time. The modules and lessons are arranged in a logical order, and your current position is automatically saved. You can print text lessons by using the standard printing options on your device.
You can return and revise the modules after completing the course.
A certificate is generated when you complete all modules; however, you can also complete lessons of the most relevance and interest, view a specific lesson, or print and use resources. Go to any lesson by clicking it in the directory on the left.
The course has been recommended by ALIA and will count as 4 hours towards your PD points.
Funding
The Libraries as Community Connectors is developed by Plumtree Children’s Services and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Terms and their definitions
When reading the resources in this kit, there are some terms that you will see repeatedly. Here’s what they mean:
Access is about providing a wide range of activities and environments for every child by removing physical barriers and offering multiple ways to promote learning and development.
Participation means using a range of instructional approaches to promote engagement in play and learning activities, and a sense of belonging for every child.
Supports cover broader aspects of the system such as professional development, incentives for inclusion, and opportunities for communication and collaboration among families and professionals to ensure a high standard of inclusion.
Neurodivergent describes people who have natural variations in thinking, learning and interacting with information. It encompasses a range of neurological differences that include autism, ADHD and dyslexia.
Neuro-affirming is about respecting the natural diversity of the way people learn and interact. It recognises that neurodivergent people have unique strengths to build on and thrive.
An extensive glossary is also available in Module 6 | Resources and Glossary
Acknowledgments
Program manager
Hannah Watts
Anne Rauch (to December 2022)
Project manager
Marg Aiken
Parent peer workers
Marie Vlahakis | team leader
Chelsey Barnes-Shipley (to November 2020)
Kylie Aekins
Other Plumtree staff
Sylvana Mahmic | CEO
Amos Wong | editor
Ashley Hung | learning platform coordinator
Mana Ciuffardi | learning platform coordinator and illustrator
Advisory group
Claire Stuckey | active member of ALIA’s Children and Young People’s Group (Australian Library and Information Association)
Dr Amanda Niland | Early childhood education academic
Liz Khater | children’s librarian, City of Canada Bay Libraries
Past Advisory Group members
Tara Cordina | Children’s & Youth Technical Specialist and parent of a daughter with a disability
Kylie Ashley | Multicultural Children’s Services Manager at Ethnic Community Services Co-operative (ECSC)
Marg Aiken | Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) specialist at Plumtree
Rebecca Pragnell | Supported Programs Manager at Playgroups NSW
Special thanks to all parents and library staff who contributed to this course.
Device compatibility, copyright, and disclaimer
The e-learning experience may vary depending on your device, browser and browser version. Ensure you install the latest browser version for the best learning experience.
Copyright statement
This course was designed as a resource to be used by readers. Copyright restrictions only apply where the user incurs a financial advantage from the use of the material.
Disclaimer
Plumtree Children’s Services and any organisation or entity that provides financial support for producing this e-learning program and associated documentation cannot be held liable for any error or omission in its contents; any damages arising from its supply, performance or use; or make warranties of any kind either expressed or implied in relation to it.
While every care has been taken in developing this e-learning program and ensuring its content is accurate, it should be regarded as a guideline only. No reliance should be placed by any person on its contents and Plumtree Children’s Services suggests that professional advice be sought where necessary.
© Plumtree Children’s Services 2024
