My 4-year-old daughter, who is autistic, was recently asked to leave a regular weekly storytime at the Jacksonville public library. Her autistic outbursts were deemed "too much" for the other children. This incident not only upset my daughter and our family but also highlighted a significant issue - the lack of inclusive spaces and activities for special needs children in our community.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, public spaces are required to make reasonable accommodations for disabled people, including those on the autism spectrum. It's crucial that our local library adheres to this law by providing sensory-friendly events that cater specifically to these children's needs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in 54 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (CDC, 2020). In Jacksonville alone, this translates into hundreds of kids who could benefit from such an initiative.

By establishing a weekly or biweekly sensory-friendly storytime at our local library, we can ensure all kids have equal access to educational activities irrespective of their neurological differences. This will not only provide them with an opportunity to learn and grow but also foster empathy and understanding among neurotypical peers.

Let's stand together as a community committed to inclusivity and equality. Sign this petition urging the Jacksonville public library to establish sensory-friendly storytimes tailored specifically towards autistic and special needs children.