Sensory input is an integral part of an autistic person’s life, but this often comes at a financial cost (Trentacosta et al., 2018). Resources are often costlier than toys that neurotypical children would play with and there is no guarantee that children will enjoy a specific item.
Additionally, there is also such a wide range of resources available to purchase, parents are unable to purchase all items to try. The Sparkle Sheffield lending library will enable children and families to experience resources prior to undertaking an often-hefty financial output. This is especially useful regarding the uncertainty of the current world, whereby Autistic children and young people are experiencing increased levels of anxiety which specialist resources can help to alleviate. By using a lending library scheme, this enables families costs to be minimised while allowing children and families to experience a range of resources before purchasing items for themselves.
How will it work?
The Sparkle Sheffield lending library will be run by volunteers. Resources (including toys and books) will be available for families to loan for a fixed period of time, to enable individuals to benefit from a wide range of materials without having to pay often high associated costs. The use of the lending library is available for a small donation for all families who are part of the Sparkle Sheffield Membership Scheme.
Loan periods will be for 2-weeks (14 days) per resource/book. Extensions on the length of loan times will be considered on an individual basis – considering any waiting lists and/or individual circumstances however, this will not exceed 4 weeks (28 days) per item where possible. This is to ensure that as many children and families can benefit from the lending library as possible.
Families are permitted to request repeat loaning of the same item; however, resources must be returned to Sparkle Sheffield for a period of at least 1 week (7 days) between any re-loan to ensure that the item/s remain safe to use and fully in-tact.
A waiting list will be in operation for popular items that numerous families wish to loan. Where items have a wait list, the loan period for current families with the items will not be extended over 2-weeks (14 days).
Available Resources
A list of current resources and books is available via the Sparkle Sheffield website. All resources are owned by the charity and always remain the property of Sparkle Sheffield. New resources will be added to the library as they become available. Due to wear, tear and accidental damage, some resources may become unavailable until they are repaired/replaced.
Delivery
Resources will be available for collection from the following locations;
- Sparkle Sheffield HQ – Knowle House, 4 Norfolk Park Road, Sheffield, S2 3QE
- At any of our drop-in advice session locations
- Items may be delivered to family’s homes, dependent upon volunteer availability. There may be a waiting time if families require this option.
Hygiene
Upon return, each item will be cleaned either via washing machine or antibacterial spray, dependent upon the material. This will be completed before items are then loaned to another family.
Loss and/or Damage
When receiving resources, families are responsible to ensure the equipment is well cared for and looked after while in their possession.
If an item is lost, members must email memberships@sparklesheffield.co.uk as soon as possible, and no longer than 48-hours after noticing that the item is missing. If the item is suspected to have been stolen, members must inform the police of this theft via 101 or online at https://southyorks.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/ (for non-South Yorkshire addresses please visit https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/report-a-crime-incident/ to find your local authority) as soon as possible. Members must then inform Sparkle Sheffield of the crime reference number.
We understand that accidental damage may occur due to the nature of the children and families that we support. In these cases, we will be understanding and empathetic. However, we do ask that members inform us of any damage as soon as possible via email at memberships@sparklesheffield.co.uk so that we are aware upon collection of the resources.
Use of Equipment / Resources
All equipment must be stored and used as per any manufacturer’s recommendations and/or instructions. Any instructions that came with the original purchase of equipment will be laminated and included within the loan to ensure that members have suitable information regarding usage. Parents/carers remain responsible for supervising their child/ren at all times while using the loan equipment.
Sparkle Sheffield do not accept responsibility for any of the following;
- Damage to any of your own property whilst equipment is on loan
- Any injuries that may occur during the use of any equipment if used incorrectly and against manufacturer recommendations.
Kindly funded via the Harry Bottom Charitable Trust.