What’s New at OCALI’s Lending Library, Including a New Librarian
She may have only been with OCALI for less than three months, but one of OCALI’s newest staff members and Clearinghouse Librarian, Valerie Frey, has been busy updating, restocking, and helping to enhance the user experience. Meet Valerie and learn more about what’s new at the Lending Library.
You’re new to OCALI and the Lending Library. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
“I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and received my BA in Psychology from Otterbein University and my MLIS Degree from Kent State. I have worked in various public library branches for more than 16 years and have had a wide range of roles, including Youth Services Supervisor and Adult Services Librarian. I am also the mom of two young children, so when I am not at work, I’m spending time with my kids.”
What are you most excited about in your new position as librarian?
“I am most excited about working with this wonderful organization. I get to apply my educational knowledge and background working in libraries, but I also have opportunities for development and learning new skills. One of my professional goals this year is to extend the library’s reach and raise more awareness about OCALI by distributing information to targeted libraries across Ohio.”
Tell us what you’ve been working on to refresh and improve the Lending Library.
“Since I started almost three months ago, there have been so many updates and new resources. We’ve been creating videos to help users register and navigate our new library site, processing curriculum kits, and the entire book collection has been shifted around to create book displays featuring new titles.”
For those who aren’t familiar, how would you describe the Lending Library?
“OCALI’s Lending Library is like a traditional library, but so much more! Our library offers thousands of free materials, resources, and technology on a range of topics that are applicable to various disabilities and for all ages from early childhood to adulthood.”
Who can use the Lending Library?
“Anyone 18 or older who lives or works in Ohio can borrow materials from OCALI’s Lending Library. For shipping purposes, users do have to have an Ohio residential or work address. If you meet these requirements, I encourage you to explore the library and our collections. I’m sure you will find something that interests you!”
What is the greatest benefit for educators, families, or individuals using the Lending Library?
“The greatest benefit is that we have a unique library with a multitude of resources for families and educators. Our collections range from assistive technology, books, and curriculum kits, to books in braille and large print for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. We also ship everything at no cost to the user—a definite perk for any Ohioan. The great thing about OCALI’s Lending Library is that we are an extension of the organization. So, if we don’t have what someone is looking for, it’s very likely I can connect with another colleague who has what they need. If anyone has a question about our collections or is wondering if we can assist them, I encourage them to please email me at lendinglibrary@ocali.org.”
Are there any kits/resources that you would like to highlight?
“Yes, we have so many new curriculum support kits in our library that are designed to help support educators and their class themes/units. Some of these kits are text sets, companion kits, and shared reading kits. While there are many more to come, users can check out what’s available now.”
Find What You Need at OCALICONLINE 2022
The World’s Premier Autism and Disabilities Conference
We’re just weeks away from OCALICONLINE 2022 – November 15-18. The 100% online event means anyone can attend from anywhere – so make plans to celebrate our “Sweet 16” anniversary with us!
With less than a month to go, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you and others from around the globe. A record number of 16,000+ of your peers and colleagues have already registered – from all 50 states, and 49 other countries. And since the conference continues to offer options and opportunities across the lifespan, across agencies, and across the world, there’s something for everyone at OCALICONLINE 2022.
OCALICONLINE 2022 features include:
Keynote Panel – Judy Heumann, Temple Grandin, and Haben Girma: Tuesday, November 15, 12:00 p.m. ET
OCALICONLINE 2022 welcomes an all-star panel of trailblazers, leaders, and world-changers. Judy Heumann, the mother of the disability rights movement; Haben Girma, the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, and Temple Grandin, distinguished professor of animal science, and author of numerous books including Visual Thinking and The Autistic Brain. You don’t want to miss this dynamic discussion from this amazing trio!
Amazing presenters and diverse content
With over 300 sessions conducted by 500+ presenters from around the world, sessions highlight content for every age, and every milestone across the lifespan. From early childhood to school-age to adulthood, sessions feature the best-of-the-best in their areas of expertise to share research, best practices, and resources that support the lifelong needs of individuals with disabilities and those who live with, love, and support them. Browse the Session Sorter to find the sessions that match your needs and interests!
Special events within OCALICONLINE
Interested in learning more about assistive technology and how it can be leveraged for individuals with developmental disabilities or with visual impairments? OCALICONLINE 2022 features a line-up of special events focused on these very topics. With experts from around the world, these sessions will provide you with practical resources and tips for taking your understanding of assistive technology to the next level.
- Tuesday, November 15: Inclusive Education Leadership: Bring a team to this extended session on inclusive leadership! Hear from Ohio Department of Education leaders from the Office for Exceptional Children about special education and gifted education updates, key focus areas of supports and project updates related to Each Child Means Each Child.
- Wednesday, November 16: The BEST AT Forum is an opportunity to learn about cross-curricular braille literacy and assistive technologies for students who are blind or visually impaired
These are not stand-alone events but are integrated into the conference itself. Attendees wishing to attend these sessions must register for the entire conference.
New for 2022! The OCALI Channel
The OCALI Channel is OCALICONLINE’s continuous video streaming channel that runs throughout the conference. Starting on Day 1 with the keynote session, the OCALI Channel will keep you connected, informed, and inspired all week long! You can catch the OCALICON hosts – the Good Life Ambassadors – during each break. They’ll keep your energy and spirits up and keep you in the loop with reminders and suggestions for getting the most out of your conference experience. You can also watch episodes of a collection of OCALI’s greatest hits and highlights – from InspirED to Many Faces of Autism to Ensuring Access to the General Curriculum for ALL Learners – and so much more! Plus, coffee break adventures in the morning, and afternoon Energy Breaks with the conference team in the afternoon. Look for the final schedule and details closer to the conference!
Good News! – There’s Still Time to Register
If you haven’t registered, what are you waiting for? Welcome to the community. There’s a place for you here. Register now!
What’s New at OCALI
November 8, 12- 1 p.m.
Improving Outcomes for People with Disabilities: Care Over the Lifespan
People with disabilities experience consistent barriers to clinical care, preventative services, and good health. Join the Ohio Association of Health Plans, OCALI, and other speakers.
November 13, 2-5 p.m.
Band Together
Join us for an Autism Open Mic to celebrate the talents of our Central Ohio Autism community. Individuals with autism are invited to participate. Registration is recommended.
November 28, 2:30-3 p.m.
The Journey: An Overview of SSI and SSDI
Hear from Social Security Public Affairs Specialists regarding questions about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) versus Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
InspirED Episode:
Supporting the Wellness of Students and Staff
December 15, 4-4:30p.m.
Since the pandemic, school districts and educators have had to ramp up their mental health and behavioral services to support student wellness. Learn how to strengthen partnerships with families and agencies.
Know Your Voting Rights
As we gear up for Election Day on Nov. 8, it is important for everyone to know their rights. Join us for a conversation with Kevin Truitt, Disability Rights Ohio Legal Advocacy Director, to discuss voting rights for people with disabilities.
NEW: Age-Appropriate Transition Assessment Planning Guide
Working through this process results in the team having a detailed, coordinated plan to guide all aspects of gathering transition assessment data and information. Learn more about our new guide to assist the process.
InspirED Episodes on YouTube
Did you miss a session? Do you want to go back and re-watch your favorite episodes? Check out our InspirED Playlists on our YouTube Channel, including our latest episodes on PBIS Lessons Learned Parts 1 & 2. Watch now.
Grab-n-Go Resource Gallery Kit
This kit, available through our Lending Library, offers a variety of interventions with how-to explanations to support all learners, including those with autism spectrum disorder. Explore now.
Children’s Books on Autism
Discover books to use with children ages preschool through high school to learn more about autism.
OCALI is Hiring!
Do you want to work in a mission-driven environment? Learn more about our open positions for Multi-System Youth and Family Regional Coaches (closes 10/31/22) and an Autism Center Coordinator.
OCALI Now 