Caring for Our Collective - 2026 VLA VLACRL Annual Conference: Full Schedule

10:00am PDT

Autism and Access: A survey of the modern library

Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

The presentation will cover Autism Spectrum Disorder in libraries with a focus on access and equity.

Speakers

David Mercer

Fairfax County Public Library

Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

General Session, Neurodiversity

11:00am PDT

Beyond Accommodation: Building Neurodivergent‑Affirming Academic Library Workplaces modation: Building Neurodivergent‑Affirming Academic Library Workplaces

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

This session explores how academic libraries can better support neurodivergent employees through inclusive workplace design, communication practices, and use of emerging technologies – including AI.

Speakers

Megan Reichelt

University Libraries, George Mason University

Megan Reichelt is the Theater, Dance, and Women and Gender Studies Librarian at George Mason University. She received her Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Catholic University in 2015 and her bachelors in Drama in 2006. Her areas of interest include instruction... Read More →

Crystal Boyce

Health & Biosciences Librarian, George Mason University

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

General Session, Neurodiversity

1:00pm PDT

The Neuro-Inclusive Collective: Shared Strategies for Regulation and Belonging

Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Learn to support diverse nervous systems and replace chronic masking with mutual support, fostering a culture of authentic "library joy" for all staff.

Speakers

Christopher Fleming

Lauren Garletts (Marie)

James Madison University

Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

General Session, Neurodiversity

Caring for Our Collective - 2026 VLA VLACRL Annual Conference

10:00am PDT

David Mercer

11:00am PDT

Megan Reichelt

Crystal Boyce

1:00pm PDT

Christopher Fleming

Lauren Garletts (Marie)

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