"Libraries play a catalytic role in the lives of people with disabilities by facilitating their full participation in society. Libraries should use strategies based upon the principles of universal design to ensure that library policy, resources and services meet the needs of all people," according to the School Libary Journal (SLJ).

Serving All

The publication bills itself as "the world's largest reviewer of books, multimedia, and technology for children and teens." Universal design in education, known best as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), advocates for flexible instruction, accessible educational materials (AEM), and assessments that work for everyone rather than a single, one-size-fits-all (only books in print) solution. 

Here is a list of resources taken from the SLJ's recent wiki for librarians. Their efforts to serve students who need incentives and specialized approaches to become engaged with, read and understand text, when coupled with the knowledge that not all digital materials are accessible, offers the promise that libraries can be reading comfort zones for students who learn best with AEM):

• Accessible Electronic Resources for All
• Barnard, Madalene Rathbun. 2013. “Color outside the library lines: serving NVLD and Asperger Syndrome teens.” Voice of Youth Advocates 36(5): 28.
• Families and College & Career Readiness
• Inclusive Summer Reading Programs
• Vogel, Victoria. 2008. “Library Outreach to Teens with Physical Challenges.” Young Adult Library Services. 7(1): 39-42.
• Outreach Resources for People with Disabilities
• Project ENABLE
• “Bibliotherapy for Teens: An Expanded Booklist,” School Library Journal, December 10
• Webinar on library programs for people with intellectual disabilities
• Webinar on serving children with disabilities at the library
• School Library Journal post on libraries serving kids with disabilities
• NY Public Library’s programming for teens with special needs
• Materials for Children With Disabilities blog
• Book list of young adult literature featuring disabled teens
• Lists of young adult books featuring characters with various disabilities such as Aspergers syndrome and blindness

AIM-VA

Students disabilities in elementary and secondary schools who struggle to read print may be eligible for free alternative text formats if traditional books are a barrier to learning. Students are found eligible by their education teams. For students in Virginia, get started by logging onto the AIM-VA homepage. In other states ask a special education teacher or school administrator about accessible educational materials (AEM) and eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and an exception to copyright law.