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Disability Resources

Westlake Porter Public Library offers a variety of tools and programs to improve access for our community. Programs are developed for children with disabilities or possible neurodivergence.

Disability Programs
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Thu, Oct 02, 1:30pm - 2:15pm
Storytime Room
This event is canceled.
Registration is now closed

Mon, Oct 06, 11:00am - 11:45am
Storytime Room
Adults with disabilities are invited to laugh, sing, and listen to stories, along with a craft or a coloring page.

Thu, Oct 09, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Teen Lounge
This social hour is a safe and fun space for teens and young adults with autism who are currently enrolled in high school to meet and hang out! There will be snacks and games.

Fri, Oct 10, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dover Room
Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child's academic, motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior.Register

Sat, Oct 11, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dover Room
Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child's academic, motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior.Register

Thu, Oct 16, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Storytime Room
Celebrate all things pumpkin with crafts, games, and more! This inclusive pumpkin party features activities for children and families of all abilities. Grades Pre K-5.

Sat, Oct 18, 11:00am - 11:45am
Storytime Room
Let's have fun together in an interactive program especially for children who may not be successful in a typical library program. Each month has a new theme. For children ages 5 and up.
Registration opens Saturday, October 11 2025 at 9:00am

Tue, Oct 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Porter Room
Watch the film, My Own Normal, with a panel discussion following. Great for all adult audiences including parents of adults with disabilities. Register

Tue, Oct 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Craft Room
Sensory Space available during the ReelAbilities Film Festival screening. Cut through to access Universal Changing Table.

Thu, Oct 23, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Storytime Room
This cross-generational program connects patients with Parkinson's with our community by sharing stories, songs and movement in this interactive storytime. Ages 2-6, siblings welcome.
Registration opens Thursday, October 16 2025 at 9:00am

Thu, Oct 23, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Come play with us! Register

Fri, Oct 24, 10:30am - 11:30am
Come play with us! Register

Sample page from the Adapted Storytime Social StoryVisiting the Library

We know visiting the library can be a challenge for families. Here is a social story to read with your child about visiting us and a social story about what to expect at Adapted Storytime!

Community Resources
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Looking to connect with others who will understand your situation? Consider contacting these local organizations who provide parent support and opportunities for families with children with disabilities or neurodivergence.

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CCBDD logo

We are pleased to partner with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities as a Library Facilitator location. WPPL thanks the Cuyahoga DD for their grant to accomplish a year of inclusive programming.

Disability Resources Collection
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Print book and DVD resources for families raising children with disabilities or neurodivergence.

 

Sensory Break Box

Christopher models items from the Sensory Break BoxThe box contains a few tools such as noise-canceling headphones, a wobble seat, a weighted pad, foam roller, fidget toys and bubble timers that may be used by any patron in the building to help ensure a successful visit to the library.

If you find you or your child are struggling during a visit to the library, pick up the Break Box in the Youth Services Department!

Christopher models items from the Sensory Break Box.

 

KultureCity Sensory Inclusive logo
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Sensory Inclusive™ Certified

Westlake Porter Public Library is Sensory Inclusive™ certified by KultureCity®. All staff members receive ongoing training to welcome anyone with sensory differences to the library.

In addition, we have Sensory Bags—designed to help sensory needs in both adults and children—available for checkout. The bags are filled with items that can help lessen sensory overload and also engage.

Universal Changing Table
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Universal changing table in family restroomA universal changing table—accommodating adults and youths up to 1,000 pounds—is available for use in the Family Restroom located in the Youth Services department. The changing table makes it easier for caregivers to aid individuals with disabilities in need of assistance with personal care.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities made the library's purchase and installation of the universal changing table possible with a $10,000 grant that is part of a broader initiative to increase the number of universal changing tables in Cuyahoga County.

Adults with Disabilities

What about adults with disabilities? All of our tools are open for use by adults and their adult family members with disabilities.

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Tyrone volunteers with parachute play
Tyrone volunteers with parachute play

Volunteers with Developmental or Intellectual Disabilities

Volunteer opportunities within the Youth Services Department are available for those ages 14+ with developmental or intellectual disabilities. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested, download an application and return it to the library.

For more information contact the Disability Resources Librarian at (440) 250-5471.

Next Chapter Book Club
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WPPL hosts the Next Chapter Book Club! NCBC is an opportunity for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities to make friends, enjoy books and have fun on a regular basis.

Club spots are limited and if you are interested in joining a club, or if you are interested in helping us provide NCBC to the community by facilitating a club, please contact the Disability Resources Librarian at 440-250-5471 for information.