ERIC Number: EJ1436293
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Sep
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8151
EISSN: EISSN-2154-3992
Available Date: N/A
"We're All Pretty Welcoming": Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Library Storytime Programs
Derek T. M. Daskalakes; Maria Cahill
Journal of Early Intervention, v46 n3 p407-427 2024
Public library storytimes provide rich learning opportunities for young children and their caregivers, yet little is known about how inclusive they are for children with disabilities and developmental delays (CwD/DD). The purpose of this study was to identify and describe ways that librarians support the inclusion of CwD/DD and their caregivers in storytime programs. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 34 librarians who provide storytime programs in public libraries in three states and analyzed them using iterative and inductive coding processes. Findings indicate that librarians are aware of the acute need to support diverse populations within their service communities and are collectively using a wide range of accommodations and strategies to facilitate their inclusion. However, on an individual level, they feel under-equipped to do so. Findings from this study highlight the need for further training and raise important questions regarding the equity of storytime programs for children with invisible disabilities, the potential reduction of diversity within storytime programs, and the potential value of establishing formal avenues of knowledge sharing.
Descriptors: Librarians, Story Reading, Public Libraries, Inclusion, Children, Disabilities, Teamwork, Library Services, Family Involvement, Accessibility (for Disabled)
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Kentucky; Ohio; Indiana
Grant or Contract Numbers: LG9617019917; LG246297OLS20
Author Affiliations: N/A