Elmont Library applies for autism grant

The Elmont Memorial Public Library has applied for the Autism Welcome Here grant. If selected, the library would implement new books and activities for children on the autism spectrum. Elmont Library would be the fist library in Nassau County to house such a collection.

“Nassau County is very underserved when it comes to the autism community,” said Elmont Library Trustee Tammie Williams, who co-authored the grant. “It’s about inclusion, this will give our children a chance to be with other children.”

Totaling $5,000, the grant is awarded by the Libraries and Autism organization. Part of the program would be to have guest speakers and lectures visit the library and teach parents how to best care for their special needs child.

“The library would definitely be a resource for Nassau County because it’s not in any other library,” Williams said. “We would be the ground breaking library that has the Welcome Here program, trained staff that can help the autism community.”

Williams has a son on the spectrum and therefore has been active in bringing more awareness and education to autism in Elmont.

“What I think this will be able to do for our community is bring welcoming and inclusion,” she said. “It’s the belief that people with and without disabilities should have full membership in their communities together.”

While autism has unfortunately become far more prevalent, there is still a need for more information and education for families. Williams and her son are frequent visitors to the Family Center for Autism in Garden City. At the center, children on the spectrum can engage in activities and workshops that help them acclimate to society and deal with every day pressures.

“God bless the Family Center for Autism because that gives families like mine hope,” said Williams. “It gives us hope that our kids aren’t left on the outside.”

The grant committee will notify successful applicants on March 1.