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April 11, 2011

Local libraries get autism materials from foundation

http://www.northjersey.com
April 11, 2011
By HARVY LIPMAN
RECORD COLUMNIST Libraries across the state, including 19 in North Jersey, have some new resources to offer visitors interested in learning more about autism, thanks to the Karma Foundation and Autism Speaks.

The kits offer a range of information on topics such as autism diagnoses and therapies, resources available to parents and how to deal with a child’s school system.

"It goes from things as simple as what is autism to treatment options," said Dina Karmazin Elkins, executive director of the foundation. She added that distributing material through public libraries is a longstanding focus of the non-profit.

"Libraries are one of the places people forget about, but they’re free and they distribute a lot of information," Elkins noted. "They also give you the option of having access to material no matter what your income or socioeconomic status. And unlike the Internet, there’s somebody there who can help you find information that’s accurate."

There’s one other driving force behind the foundation’s support for libraries, she added:

"Our president and founder, Sharon Karmazin, was the library director in East Brunswick for many years."

North Jersey library directors said they’re appreciative of the donations, especially since this is Autism Awareness Month and many of them will be able to use the kits in their information displays.

Cynthia Czesak, director of the Paterson Public Library, noted that Patricia Bagley, co-chairwoman of the Northern New Jersey Walk Now for Autism Speaks, will make a presentation at the library Tuesday.

"She’ll be distributing information to parents to help get people aware of the support services available for autism," Czesak said. "It’s nice when we’re talking with people to be able to say, ‘and we have this information here for you.’ "

The Paramus Public Library is using the newly donated material as part of a display for Autism Awareness Month in its children’s section.

"We do have many families affected by autism in our area," said library Director Leonard LoPinto. While the library gets a limited number of requests for educational materials on autism, he added, "If people know this type of material is available, I’m sure we’ll get more requests. And it’s not just for the families of children with autism. It’s to have everyone else be aware of the condition, too."

Wendy Bloom, director of the Ramsey Free Public Library, said her staff hasn’t been able to put together a display of the autism materials because they’ve just moved back into the renovated library building.

"But our children’s librarian is planning an evening program on autism later in the month," Bloom said. "Autism statistically affects a high percentage of children in New Jersey and we are asked often for material. The Karma Foundation helps us keep our material current."

Elkins said the foundation has another distribution of training materials set for next month, when they will be sent to schools across New Jersey. So far, 110 have signed up, including 18 in North Jersey.

"They will have information for everybody from teachers to bus drivers to the school janitors on how to talk to an autistic child, how to react if you see certain behaviors," Elkins explained.

E-mail: lipman@northjersey.com

Posted by tumulty at April 11, 2011 4:46 PM

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