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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
Adapted Storytime
Thu, Jan 30, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
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.
Adapted Storytime
Fri, Feb 07, 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, January 31 2020 at 9:00am
Make a Heart Craft
Mon, Feb 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Craft Room
Feeling crafty? Create a heart 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.
Registration opens Monday, February 3 2020 at 9:00am
Valentine Party
Thu, Feb 13, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Storytime Room
Drop in and make a craft, play a party game, listen to music and enjoy a snack. Specifically for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Music Therapy & More by Connecting for Kids
Fri, Feb 14, 9:30am - 10:00am
Dover Room
Designed for children (0-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. This hands-on program teaches families how to use music to improve their child's motor communication and social skills.Register
Music Therapy & More by Connecting for Kids
Fri, Feb 14, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dover Room
Designed for children (0-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. This hands-on program teaches families how to use music to improve their child's motor communication and social skills.Register
Music Therapy & More by Connecting for Kids
Sat, Feb 15, 9:30am - 10:00am
Dover Room
Designed for children (0-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. This hands-on program teaches families how to use music to improve their child's motor communication and social skills.Register
Music Therapy & More
Sat, Feb 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
Dover Room
Designed for children (0-6 years) who are struggling in an area of development. This hands-on program teaches families how to use music to improve their child's motor communication and social skills.Register
Write to a Friend
Mon, Feb 17, 10:00am - 11:00am
Craft Room
Who doesn't like hearing from a friend? In this program, adults with special needs and their caregivers decorate cards for friends or senior citizen pen pals. No experience necessary.
Teach Me to Play
Thu, Feb 20, 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, Feb 21, 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, Feb 21, 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
Sat, Feb 22, 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 Saturday, February 15 2020 at 9:00am
Crafty Adults
Tue, Feb 25, 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.
Adapted Yoga
Tue, Feb 25, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Storytime Room
Try out some simple poses and breathing techniques with us! Please wear comfy clothes and bring a towel or mat. For children with special needs and their caregivers; siblings must register separately.
Registration opens Tuesday, February 18 2020 at 9:00am
Connecting for Kids Speaker Series - Solving Challenging Behavior
Tue, Feb 25, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Porter Room
Join us for presentations on various childhood topics by local pediatric professionals. Designed for families with a child (birth-12 years) who is struggling (with or without a formal diagnosis).Register
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.