Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility Resources

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Committee

•Formed in 2019

•Volunteer members

•Diverse makeup of committee member identities – race, gender, ability, position

Resources to Assist with Being Intentional about Hiring and Retention

Sensory Kit items:

Items that could be circulated 

• “Happy Light” (mood light) (linked to recommended)
• Noise Cancelling Headphones (linked to recommended) - Available at all service desks
• Headphones Case (paired with headphones)  
• Small circulating collection of meditation/mindfulness books  
• Exercise Bands (5) (linked to “Best of” article) 
• Relax Therapy DNA  
• Fidget Toy (linked to “12 Great Fidget Toys” article – shows wide variety)  
• Pop It Fidget Toy (linked to “Best of” article)  
• Floating Color Timer (example link)  
• Cardboard Study Carrel 

Items that could be given away 

• Stress Ball (linked to “Best of” article)  

• Calm Strips (customization available) 
• Hair ties/elastics - basic and simple (Example pack - $4.11) 
• Earplugs (linked to example) – all year or can give at end of semester or when asked - Available all year at Music, Law and Management Libraries. Now given away at the end of semester at Central and Peabody Libraries.

Next Steps at Vanderbilt

Accepting applications for students entering in 2023. Apply here! 

Next Steps at Vanderbilt is a 4-year inclusive higher education program committed to providing neurodiverse students an inclusive, transformational postsecondary education in academics, social and career development, and independent living, while honoring equality, compassion, and excellence in all endeavors.

Next Steps has partnered with the Science & Engineering Library, the Divinity Library, the Peabody Library (new this semester) and the Brentwood Library (off-campus) for internships.

At each library, students have helped with:

• shelving books/media,
• organizational tasks,
• checking books back in,
• and helping keep the library ready for library users.

There are over 8 programs like Next Steps across the state of Tennessee. You can find where all 8 are here: https://tnihealliance.org/. Libraries can work with one of these programs or high school special education programs to create work-based learning experiences for individuals.