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Children with Special Needs

Westlake Porter Public Library offers a variety of tools and programs to improve access for our community.

Special Needs Programs
Easter Craft
Mon, Apr 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Craft Room
Feeling crafty? Create a craft perfect for this time of year. Specifically for children who may not be successful in a typical craft program and a caring adult. No previous art experience necessary.
Adapted Storytime
Fri, Apr 10, 11:00am - 11:45am
Storytime Room
This storytime, followed by a time for socialization, is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3 to 7 years.
Registration opens Friday, April 3 2020 at 9:00am
Scrabble and Word Game Fun
Mon, Apr 13, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Storytime Room
Celebrate National Scrabble Day by dropping in to play word games. Bring your own or use one of ours! This event is an all ages drop-in event for children and adults with special needs.
Crafty Adults
Tue, Apr 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
Craft Room
Feeling crafty? Create art of your own based on the work of a famous artist or holiday. Specifically for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. No previous art experience necessary.
Poetry Fun
Thu, Apr 16, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Technology Training Lab
Word play, rhythm and rhyme are the tools we will use to practice writing poetry. We will hear some poetry read to us and try writing some, too.
Kids in the Kitchen
Sat, Apr 18, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Craft Room
Learn basic cooking with simple no-bake recipes for kids with special needs and their typical peers. If you have an allergy or dietary concern, please contact the Youth Desk at 440.250.5471.
Connecting for Kids Coffee and Chat
Tue, Apr 21, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Porter Room
Join our interactive support group and meet other families facing similar struggles. These programs are free and open to the public but registration is required.
Purrr-fect Reading Friends
Thu, Apr 23, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Study Room YS-Group
Charlie the cat is the Purrr-fect reading friend! Drop in and share a story with Charlie, a reading therapy cat. Come by and sign up for a 10-minute reading time with her!
Teach Me to Play
Thu, Apr 23, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Dover Room
Your child will enjoy playing with other children while practicing language and social skills. Specifically designed for children ages 18 months-6 years who are struggling in an area of development.
Teach Me to Play
Fri, Apr 24, 9:30am - 10:30am
Dover Room
Your child will enjoy playing with other children while practicing language and social skills. Specifically designed for children ages 18 months-6 years who are struggling in an area of development.
Teach Me to Play
Fri, Apr 24, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Dover Room
Your child will enjoy playing with other children while practicing language and social skills. Specifically designed for children ages 18 months-6 years who are struggling in an area of development.
Adapted Storytime
Fri, May 01, 11:00am - 11:45am
Storytime Room
This storytime, followed by a time for socialization, is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3 to 7 years.
See all events

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!

Special Needs Collection

Print book and DVD resources for families raising children with special needs

 
Community Resources

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 special needs.

Christopher models items from the Sensory Break BoxSensory Break Box

The 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.

Special Needs iPad

iPad with apps that serve patrons with special needsThe Youth Services Department has an iPad for use in special needs programming. Patrons are welcome to check-out the iPad from the Youth Services Desk while visiting the library to test a variety of apps focusing on encouraging children with special needs.

We have apps for communication such as Proloquo2Go as well as apps for helping children with learning disabilities including writing, reading and math apps. We even have apps that help build social skills and design sensory breaks.

The iPad cannot leave the library. To use the iPad you need a driver's license and a WPPL library card in good standing. You don't have to live in Westlake to obtain a WPPL library card.
 

Contact Youth Services

The Youth Services department serves children from birth through high school as well as families and teachers.

Call us at 440-250-5471 or send an email using the form below.

Adults with Special Needs

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

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 Special Needs Resource Librarian at (440) 250-5471.

Next Chapter Book Club

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 Special Needs Resource Librarian at 440-250-5471 for information.