Matt Maillet, a man with autism, loves books. He loves music. And he loves libraries.
At 31 years old, Matt navigates life with dual developmental disabilities: autism and Prader-Willi Syndrome. He regularly visits local libraries, accompanied by his caregiver or parents, to engage in children’s programs designed for entertainment and socialization. One of his favorite spots is the West Harrison Library, known for its inclusive activities that cater to children and families. Here, Matt can explore the world of literature, participate in fun events, and connect with peers.
However, during a recent visit to the children’s room at West Harrison, a troubling incident occurred. Kayla Brown, who supports Matt, was informed by a librarian that he could not stay in the children’s area. Instead, they insisted he move to the adult section, stating that the library would provide children’s books for him to browse there. This kind of age-restriction issue could become a growing concern for many families. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism.
Daniel Maillet, Matt’s father, found this restriction to be unacceptable. “I called the director and explained the issues,” he recounted, noting the library’s excellent children’s programs. Despite his efforts, the librarian remained firm. “It was abrupt and it was callous,” he said, expressing frustration over the lack of flexibility in accommodating Matt’s needs.
In response to the incident, a Change.org petition was launched by Kayla Brown, seeking support for Matt and other adults with disabilities. By Wednesday, the petition had garnered nearly 200 signatures. “We feel that the rules should be carefully changed to allow IDD disabled individuals with close monitoring by an aide to be able to participate,” the petition states, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in public spaces.
When asked about the situation, Harrison Library Director Galina Chernykh and board President Andrea Mignone Viehe-Naess declined to comment, citing privacy concerns. Nevertheless, Chernykh conveyed her thoughts in a communication with Barbara Mahoney, an Irvington neighbor of the Maillets. She stated that the library offered adult programs designed to be inclusive and accessible. “Your understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated as we navigate the delicate balance between inclusivity and adherence to policy,” Chernykh wrote in a March 5 email.
The West Harrison Library, part of the Harrison Public Library system, has specific regulations regarding its children’s room. According to the library’s website, this area is designated for children ages 12 and under, along with their caregivers, those accessing materials specifically available in the children’s room, or individuals developing curricula or researching children’s literature. The website clearly states, “All other patrons must only use the other areas of the Library.”
While the children’s room rules acknowledge that children may cause some disruption, they also clarify that there are no restrictions on attending library events. “However, children (whether with a caregiver or not) who are deemed too disruptive by the Library staff will be warned that if they do not settle down they will be asked to leave the Library. Extreme or repetitive disruptive behavior, in the sole judgment of the Library staff, may result in immediate expulsion from the Library.”
Peter Zummo, a retired lawyer in Erie County and a parent of a 25-year-old with autism, pointed out that the legal and practical implications of the library’s policies may not align. “If the rule is enforced across the board, it may be legal. Segregating by age is not inherently illegal,” he explained, noting that he serves on the executive committee of the New York Alliance for the Developmentally Disabled. “But it’s not a good look.”
Matt Maillet is nonverbal and has limited communication skills. He enjoys flipping through picture books, particularly those featuring Elmo, and has attended various children’s programs at his church, St. Barnabas Episcopal, in Irvington. The Maillet family has arranged one-on-one support for Matt through the Self-Direction program, which is facilitated by the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Before the COVID pandemic, Matt participated in day programs, but the family found that one-on-one support best suits their son’s needs.
Brown, a former nanny, began working with Matt this year. She believes that library visits are essential for keeping him engaged, especially during winter months when outdoor activities are limited. She was not aware of any families expressing concerns about Matt being in the children’s room. “He’s such a sweet guy,” she remarked, highlighting Matt’s friendly demeanor and the positive impact of library programs on his life.
Dan Maillet emphasized that library policies should take more into account than just chronological age. “It’s not their physical age, it’s their mental age. As long as they have aides with them,” he asserted, advocating for more inclusive practices. He expressed hope that even if no immediate changes occur at the library, Matt’s situation might spark broader discussions about the needs and comfort of individuals with developmental disabilities.
“I’ve been advocating for 30 years,” Dan Maillet stated. “If something’s not right, I call it out.” His determination reflects the ongoing struggle for inclusion and understanding, aiming to pave the way for a more equitable experience for all library patrons, regardless of their abilities.
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