Steps to Create Your Own Super S.T.A.R. Storytime Opportunities for Families Impacted by Autism

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THIS IS A 7/2/2010 www.ourjourneythruautism.com BLOG DETAILING STEP BY STEP suggestions ON HOW TO SET UP YOUR OWN SUPER S.T.A.R. STORYTIME EXPERIENCE for local families impacted by autism. For more information on Super S.T.A.R. Storytime (Storytime Touching Autistic Readers), see the blog link below for Super Star Opportunities for Acceptance...

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On June 16th, one of our expert contributors, Joanna Keating-Velasco shared an inspiring post entitled Super Star Opportunities for Acceptance.  Joanna shared how she brilliantly put together a library story time in her area for children with autism.


In this post, Joanna generously shares the key steps for you to make it happen in your community.  She has also reached out to her publisher and secured their support to help you make it happen.  Thank you so much Joanna and AAPC!!


Step One - FUNDING

Don’t skip this step. In today’s economy hitting up a library or community group with a new idea without having funding to back it, can kill even the best idea. Libraries have huge budget constraints. Help them say “yes” by simply having some funds ready for this program.

Think about your community and what would be great resources for obtaining money. Perhaps getting $100 donations from several groups might be an easy way. Approach the groups in person, via email, personal letter or by phone. Remember, it’s easier to say “no” when it’s not in person. Be positive and enthusiastic about your idea.

• Religious or Fraternal Organizations
• Local credit unions, chamber of commerce or businesses
• Target Store grants (our library got $2000 for this program)
• Women’s Clubs, Local PTAs or book clubs
• “Friends of the Library” organizations
• Grandparents!
• Local Autism Support Group
• Get your idea in the community newspaper seeking small donations

The funds raised would be used for the nominal expenses such a program might incur such as craft material, new books, activities, goodie bags, music, advertising, etc.


Step Two – CONTACTING THE LIBRARY

For me, I obtained the head librarian’s direct email address and sent a brief, yet positive, email about my special storytime idea and how it would positively impact local families impacted by autism. I mentioned that these families were not attending current library activities for fear of their children’s behaviors, etc. and that they were missing out on these wonderful childhood memories. I highlighted how I would like to be involved in pioneering a program that would welcome these kids and that I already had the funding and expertise available to the library to back it.

I have personally contacted Autism Asperger Publishing Co. (AAPC) to partner with any of you who get a library to agree to create a Super S.T.A.R. Storytime program. If your library starts such a program, AAPC has agreed to “match their purchase of AAPC published titles through AAPC.” Once the program is initiated, they contact the publisher and have sort of a buy-one-get-one-free deal. This is a great way for a library to add to their autism resources at about 50% of the retail cost.


Step Three – MEET WITH THE LIBRARY STAFF

Utilize something like the attached proposal to effectively and with heartfelt words express the “who, what, where, when and how” of your idea to kick-start a program that would mirror a typical storytime, but that would be accepting of kids with autism. Suggest that you would be there with them during planning to offer advice, guidance and support…along with the $____ that you had already earmarked for such a program. Mention the success of the Placentia Library’s program and offer contact name/number for them to speak directly with the Children’s Librarian, Lori Worden, who is running this highly successful program. If they aren’t enthusiastic for the program, stay positive, but don’t push it. I don’t suggest ramming through a program if the library isn’t in full support. If they agree to partner with you, stay in close touch to ensure the program is run in a way that will positively support kids on the autism spectrum.

Step Four – FOLLOW UP & DON’T GIVE UP

Don’t be discouraged if your library isn’t ready to take on such a program. Contact your local religious organization or the library in the next city over. Keep your thoughts positive and keep your ideas to succeed with this idea flowing. In your community, another venue might be the ticket to getting your program started. Once started, get local media behind it to highlight your program.

Download Joanna's sample proposal HERE.   (If this link doesn't work, go to Our Journey Thru Autism website for direct link or contact me)

Best wishes on successfully launching your own Super S.T.A.R. Storytime or other program which welcomes kids on the spectrum with open arms.