The Apache Junction Public Library has earned the certified autism center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
Almost all library staff completed specialized training on autism, sensory needs, communication differences and ways to provide positive and respectful interactions with autistic and neurodivergent patrons, Library Director Pam Harrison said at the Sept. 10 meeting of the city’s library board.
“The great thing about this is that now that we’re a certified autism center, not only does that satisfy one of our strategic plan goals that we’ve had over the last year, but also it gives us this formal recognition that gets put onto a special app that is called the accessibility app. Lots of people with autism and disabilities go to this app to see where there (are) friendly places for them to go for all different things that they need in their lives,” she said.
