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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
Gratitude Journals
Sun, Nov 01, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Research shows that expressing gratitude has many physical and mental benefits. Pick up a gratitude journal kit, view the gratitude journal blog and start practicing an attitude of gratitude!
Registration opens Sunday, October 25 2020 at 9:00am
Adapted Storytime (Live)
Sun, Nov 01, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Zoom
Join us for this ZOOM storytime designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3-7 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

 

Connecting for Kids

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.

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.

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.

KultureCity sensory inclusive logoWestlake 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.

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.