PRESENTATION
Exhibitor Presentation by PlumTree Children’s Services:
Small Changes, Big Impact: Inclusive Practices That Are Transforming Libraries
Presenters:
Marg Aiken, Kylie Aekins, Liz Rummery, Elissa Louis
Date:
Thursday 14 May 2026 | 11am – 11:30am
Presentation Description:
What happens when libraries reimagine themselves as truly inclusive spaces for all families, especially those raising children with developmental delays or disabilities? Since 2020, our Libraries as Community Connectors project has been exploring exactly that, and the results are both powerful and promising.
When we began, most parents we surveyed shared a difficult truth: they didn’t feel comfortable bringing their child to the library. That is no longer the case. Whether you’re just beginning this work or looking to deepen your impact, you’ll leave with ideas, insights, and inspiration to help every family feel seen, supported, and welcome in your library.
Kylie Aekins
Plumtree Children’s Services
Presenter Bio
Kylie, Plumtree Children’s Services, is a mum to two wonderful neurodiverse children and a peer worker who brings evidence‑based, child‑led, and strengths‑based approaches to her work. An experienced facilitator and public speaker, she combines professional knowledge with lived experience.
Marg Aiken
Project Manager, Libraries as Community Connectors, Plumtree Children’s Services
Presenter Bio
Marg, is the Project Manager for Libraries as Community Connectors at Plumtree Children’s Services, with a background as a Specialist Early Childhood Teacher and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner.
Liz Rummery and Elissa Loui
Blue Mountains Library Staff
Presenter Bio
Liz and Elissa are Blue Mountains library staff with hands‑on experience implementing inclusive practices informed by the Building Inclusion in Libraries online course.