Sensory Program

The sensory program is a special needs program which serves children on the autism spectrum.  Carrie Rogers-Whitehead started the program at Kearns library. It has been a success in regard to the level of attendance and the amount of fun the children have. Weber County, Provo, and Orem libraries all provide programs similar to this.

I have been able to participate in two of these events as a practicum student. During the first event I attended, the children enjoyed playing with the Star Wars characters from Alpine Garrison. They fought with light sabers, drew and colored rockets, and created Star Wars masks. Carrie received a grant to provide 12 mini iPads for this program. When the children first entered this event, they generated their Star Wars names using the iPads. Through-out the event, iPads were available to play games on.

The second time I attended this program, I enjoyed listening to the children talk about building their Lego cars and then watching them race these cars down a track. During the Lego event, children also built Lego creations from kit instructions, played with Duplo blocks and a train set on the floor, and played games on the iPads.

At each event there was a quiet sensory corner for children to go to when they were feeling overwhelmed. The corner included a rug, sensory blankets, sensory toys, books, and an iPad. Overall, the environment and excitement made for a good experience. This is a worthwhile program that I hope other youth librarians will implement through-out the state of Utah and beyond.

For more information about this program see the YSRT Fall Workshop notes.  

Submitted by 

A. Paige

Emporia State Practicum Student

Kearns Library (Salt Lake County Library Services)