AnyAbility: Serving Adults with Disabilities
Anythink Libraries, Colo.
Innovation Synopsis
Anythink’s AnyAbility program is designed specially for adults with disabilities. AnyAbility’s success has led to a number of positive impacts, including increased services and collaboration, shifts in user patterns and a more inclusive library environment in which staff have increased awareness and a stronger interaction with this population.
Challenge/Opportunity
Anythink staff observed that many adults with disabilities and organizations that serve such individuals were using the library spaces but not its services. Led by staff members who had previous experience working directly with this population, a team committed to identifying and improving services for persons with disabilities, focusing on adults with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, and set out to create a framework for programming.
Key Elements of Innovation
AnyAbility is both a program and a philosophy. Monthly, AnyAbility works with community partners to provide activities and socialization opportunities for adults with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. The AnyAbility philosophy highlights how the library is for everyone, regardless of their dependency on others for basic life functions due to ability. Staff training on perceptions, communication and interaction with adults with disabilities is key to AnyAbility's success.
Achieved Outcomes
As a result of AnyAbility, library accounts and program participation among adults with disabilities have increased. Individuals who originally visited with day groups began visiting the library on their own with increased frequency. Adults with disabilities have also increased their use of library materials, including an increase in check-outs. Importantly, staff have demonstrated increased comfort in interacting directly with this population. Feedback indicates a strong appreciation for this program.
