Project addresses the issue of inclusion in the public library. EPPL has no formal programs for IDD adults. Students transitioning out of high school have a difficult time finding programs that allow them to continue working on educational, vocational and socialization skills. Many IDD students lack very basic skills. We hope this project enables them to work on life skills, integration into the community and self-confidence.

Key elements include a weekly class led by a special education teacher. A structured schedule includes: keyboarding, reading, math, socialization, art projects, periodic field trips. Circulating tablets with apps allow students to work at home. We hope this project will serve as a model for other branches to develop their own programs. Through extensive outreach and collaboration for this project, the library has developed new relationships with individuals and organizations in the field.

We hope to improve IDD students educational, vocational and socialization skills with this ongoing program. Parent participation is encouraged and we hope parents observe teaching methods to work with students at home. Improvement noted includes: students with no typing skills are typing with two hands; a father noted improvement in his daughter's reading skills; and socialization skills have improved as the students get to know each other.