Introduction
This resource is not an exhaustive or rigid list, but rather a starting point to enhance support for cognitive diversity and neurodivergent individuals. No one-size-fits all approach is appropriate to address the needs of neurodivergent patrons and colleagues. In the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us,” it is important to involve impacted individuals in shaping helpful practices. Rather than imposing changes, we encourage open dialogue and collaboration to create an inclusive environment for all. Instead of focusing on improvements for different neurodiverse populations, we have instead framed this toolkit towards improving experiences based on different expressions of neurodiversity, as this can benefit everyone.
Each neurodivergent person knows their own needs best. As such, accommodations should meet the expressed needs of the person. The suggestions in this toolkit may not be appropriate for everyone, nor should they take precedence over the stated needs of the person before you. Instead, let these ideas guide you on how to develop support approaches and gather feedback for improvement. Please remember, each person is different and the best course of action is to ask individuals what works best for them. When direct feedback or input isn’t possible, considering these practices will improve the likelihood that your interactions will be accessible to more people.
We learned early in developing the toolkit that literature around supporting neurodiverse individuals in libraries is (1) sparse, (2) concentrated on children and public libraries, and (3) seldom produced by or in partnership with neurodivergent people. In creating this toolkit, we attempted to privilege voices and perspectives from the neurodivergent community, and highlight their contributions in a special section of the project bibliography. We ask all users of the toolkit to remember that it is a work in progress created with limited and rapidly changing information, and to let empathy and compassion guide you in areas where the toolkit may be inadequate.
Sections
We offer the following pages to help you get started with accessibility support for cognitive diversity and neuroinclusion:
- Instructional Practices
- Interactions and Collaboration
- Management and Workplace
- Online Environments
- Physical Environments
- Bibliography
Community Feedback Welcome
This toolkit is a living document and a work-in-progress as best practices for neuroinclusivity continue to evolve. We welcome your feedback through our online form, and we would appreciate hearing from people who have tried suggestions in the toolkit to hear how your experience went.
Creators and Editors
Members of the Accessibility Standing Group (ASG) created and continue to revise this toolkit to maintain relevance and currency.