Hello! Librarian, author, trainer, educator, and consultant Renee Grassi is an advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in libraries, schools, and communities. As a disabled and neurodivergent librarian herself, Renee has worked in public libraries for nearly twenty years, developing award-winning library initiatives that welcome, support, and include disabled patrons across the lifespan. Learn more at reneegrassi.com<https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___http:/reneegrassi.com___.YzJ1OmFtaWdvc2xpYnJhcnlzZXJ2aWNlczE6YzpvOmRkZjkxMjVkNTI2ZDIzODIzYjBlMjA2MDBmOGRjZWNjOjc6MjdjZjphMDk4NDkxNGUwZTM4N2M1ODM0MWUxZTEzZmRlNmQ5MGVmNjIzZGJmN2RiY2YxOTI3ZDI0ZjAwMzkwZjRiYmIwOmg6RjpG>. These upcoming webinars for Michigan library staff will support you and your staff in creating inclusive environments for library users and employees. Please register today at the links below! Striving for Inclusion: Creating Welcoming Experiences for Neurodivergent Library Users<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=11744&> Date/Time: Thursday, July 23 at 1 pm - 3 pm EST/12 CST Description: Libraries are for everyone, but not everyone may feel welcome at their library. How can you create positive library experiences for neurodivergent users? This presentation will discuss ways to make customer service, programs, collections, and library services more accessible for neurodivergent people. Leave with ideas for how to create a welcoming environment at your library and an understanding of how to support neurodivergent individuals across the life span. Learning Objectives: * Attendees will understand relevant language and information to discuss disabilities and neurodiversity. * Attendees will gather at least five strategies to make their approach to customer service more welcoming to neurodivergent users. * Attendees will learn at least five ideas to make library programs, collections, and services more inclusive to neurodivergent users. For Managers & Supervisors: Supporting an Inclusive Workplace for Neurodivergent Employees<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/event.jsp?event=11749&> Date/Time: Thursday, July 30 at 1 pm - 3 pm EST/12 CST Description: Managers and supervisors are responsible for creating a trusting, supportive, and safe environment for the staff and teams they supervise. They are also accountable for ensuring compliance and accessibility in the workplace. This presentation will present background information about neurodiversity and an explanation of the strengths of those employees who are neurodivergent. Gain practical strategies for working with neurodivergent employees in your organization and learn about inclusive practices in supporting teams. Learning Objectives: * Attendees will understand relevant language and information to discuss disabilities, neurodiversity, compliance, accessibility, and disability law. * Attendees will learn about at least five unique strengths and five support needs of neurodivergent employees. * Attendees will gather at least five accessible and effective strategies for supporting neurodivergent employees in the workplace. Speaker Bio: Librarian, author, trainer, educator, and consultant Renee Grassi is an advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in libraries, schools, and communities. As a disabled and neurodivergent librarian herself, Renee has worked in public libraries for nearly twenty years, developing award-winning library initiatives that welcome, support, and include disabled patrons across the lifespan. Learn more at reneegrassi.com<https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___http:/reneegrassi.com___.YzJ1OmFtaWdvc2xpYnJhcnlzZXJ2aWNlczE6YzpvOmRkZjkxMjVkNTI2ZDIzODIzYjBlMjA2MDBmOGRjZWNjOjc6MjdjZjphMDk4NDkxNGUwZTM4N2M1ODM0MWUxZTEzZmRlNmQ5MGVmNjIzZGJmN2RiY2YxOTI3ZDI0ZjAwMzkwZjRiYmIwOmg6RjpG>. Andrea Vernola Continuing Education Coordinator | Library Development Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo St, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909 vernolaA@michigan.gov | 517-335-0123 https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan] [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.
