Western Illinois University’s sensory rooms on both campuses will have an expanding selection of resources through donations from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), the university announced in a news release.
The additions include a wide range of books that work to enhance the sensory experience for individuals with autism. They will be allocated for use in sensory rooms and the virtual sensorium, the university said.
In addition to the book donation, ASAN also is granting access to its resource library, which offers technical reports, self-advocacy curriculum and more.
ASAN seeks to empower autistic people to take control of their lives while working to make society more inclusive for autistic people, according to its website.
“The Initiatives in Accessibility Committee … is grateful for ASAN’s support in providing free books and resources for members of our Neurodivergent community and sensory room initiatives in Macomb and WIU-QC, as well as our virtual sensorium for online students,” WIU Political Science Professor Casey LaFrance said in the release.
The accessibility committee is housed in WIU’s Office of Justice, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (JIDE) and chaired by Speech Language Pathology and Audiology professor Julie Curless.
“This early investment will help our programs to continue to come to life,” Mr. LaFrance added.
For more information on WIU’s sensory rooms and virtual sensorium, email tcaseylafrance@gmail.com.
