Author, blogger, speaker, and trainer Renee Grassi is a recognized library leader and advocate for people of all abilities. Renee considers herself an ally for those with autism and other disabilities, and presents nationally and internationally to help libraries more equitable and inclusive for all. In 2012, she was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker for launching Deerfield (IL) Public Library’s first disability-friendly programs. Renee went on to develop new inclusive programs and services for patrons of all ages at Glencoe (IL) Public Library and Glen Ellyn (IL) Public Library.

She was one of the founding Board Members of Illinois’s Targeting Autism Initiative, and was also one of the co-founding members of SNAILS—an Illinois networking group dedicated to developing more accessible libraries to children and teens with disabilities. After graduating from Dominican University’s Library and Information Science Program and working in Illinois public libraries for ten years, Renee enjoys living in Minnesota with her husband and two cats. She is currently the Youth Services Manager at Dakota County Library in Dakota County, Minnesota, where she chairs her library’s Accessibility Team.

Location: Minnesota

Keywords = Autism, Accessibility, Universal Design, Disabilities

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