Library Connections - ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), the Keystone Library Automation System, and the National Organization on Disability sponsors the annual ASCLA/KLAS/NOD award to a library organization chosen for its exemplary service to people with disabilities. The award recognizes innovative and well-organized projects which successfully develop or expand services for people with disabilities. The award can be for a specific service(s) program or for a library that has made their total services more accessible through changing physical and/or attitudinal barriers.

In 2009, the award went to "Libraries and Autism -- We're Connected", a project developed by Margaret Kolaya, director, Scotch Plains Public Library (N.J.) and Daniel Weiss, director, Fanwood Memorial Library (N.J.) The Libraries and Autism project’s website offers extensive resources on the disorder, including print and non-print materials, Web sites and organizations. A training video demonstrates behavior traits of autism and techniques to communicate effectively with and cultivate positive library experiences for patrons with autism.