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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
Virtual Music Therapy & More - Presented on Zoom by Connecting for Kids
Sat, Jan 23, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child's motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist.Register
Anxiety and Attention Series by Connecting for Kids - Electronic Addiction & Distance Learning (Virtual)
Wed, Jan 27, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Jay Berk, PhD, psychologist, author, and international speaker, will discuss the most common concerns elementary-aged families have raised about electronics during this pandemic. Register
Virtual Speaker Series (Presented by Connecting for Kids) - How to Communicate Effectively with the School
Thu, Jan 28, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join Karla Fitch, MTSC, of Connecting for Kids as she teaches families how to create and use a communications binder.Register
Virtual Music Therapy & More - Presented on Zoom by Connecting for Kids
Fri, Jan 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child's motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist.Register
Be a Heart Health Hero (Live)
Mon, Feb 01, 11:00am - 11:30am
Join us on social media for a dose of heart health!
Speaker Series: Using Your Social Filter (Virtual) - Presented by Connecting for Kids
Mon, Feb 01, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Parents and caregivers will learn ways to help their child understand how words and actions can affect others and guide children ages 7-12 in knowing what is socially appropriate. Register
Virtual Speaker Series (Presented by Connecting for Kids) - Foster Relationships Between Children and Siblings
Wed, Feb 03, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join a local pediatrician and a licensed clinical psychologist to learn five ways you can work with your typical child to build a relationship with a sibling who struggles.Register
Be a Heart Health Hero Kit Pick-Up
Mon, Feb 08, 9:00am - 9:00pm
Be a Heart Health Hero by registering and picking up a kit at the Youth Services Desk beginning February 8. Then, tune in to Library at 11 Mondays in February for a dose of heart health!
Registration opens Monday, February 1 2021 at 9:00am
Crafty Adults Supply Pick Up
Mon, Feb 08, 9:00am - 9:00pm
Feeling crafty? Make a craft project of your own with this simple, pick-up kit. For adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Please register to pick up kit!
Registration opens Monday, February 1 2021 at 9:00am
Be a Heart Health Hero (Live)
Mon, Feb 08, 11:00am - 11:30am
Join us on social media for a dose of heart health!
Virtual Anxiety and Attention Series by Connecting for Kids - Helping the Child Who Struggles with Anxiety
Wed, Feb 10, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Learn how creating structure, providing coping skills and developing an action plan to overcome fear can lead to a calmer and happier child.Register
Virtual Music Therapy & More - Presented on Zoom by Connecting for Kids
Thu, Feb 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child's motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist.Register
Virtual Music Therapy & More - Presented on Zoom by Connecting for Kids
Sat, Feb 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child's motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist.Register
Adapted Storytime (Live)
Sat, Feb 13, 11:00am - 11:30am
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.
Registration opens Saturday, February 6 2021 at 9:00am
Be a Heart Health Hero (Live)
Mon, Feb 15, 11:00am - 11:30am
Join us on social media for a dose of heart health!
Virtual Music Therapy & More - Presented on Zoom by Connecting for Kids
Sat, Feb 20, 10:30am - 11:00am
Join us for a hands-on program designed to teach families how to use music to improve their child's motor, communication and social skills as well as behavior led by a Board-Certified Music Therapist.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

 

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.