close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to normal contrast
Contrast options
Choose a colour combintion to give he most comfortable contrast.

Children with Special Needs

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

Special Needs Programs
BINGO
Tue, Nov 19, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Porter Room
It's time to play BINGO! Adults with special needs will play BINGO for fun and socialization. Small prizes available. No cost to play. No BINGO experience necessary. All materials provided.
Teach Me to Play Preschool - Presented by Connecting for Kids
Thu, Nov 21, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Dover Room
Your child will enjoy playing with other children while practicing language and social skills. This program is specifically designed for those ages 3- 6 years who struggle in an area of development. Register
Teach Me to Play Preschool - Presented by Connecting for Kids
Fri, Nov 22, 9:30am - 10:30am
Dover Room
Your child will enjoy playing with other children while practicing language and social skills. This program is specifically designed for those ages 3- 6 years who struggle in an area of development.  Register
Adapted Storytime
Fri, Nov 22, 11:00am - 11:45am
Storytime Room
This 30-minute storytime followed by a time for socialization is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience.
Teach Me to Play Toddler
Fri, Nov 22, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Dover Room
Your child will enjoy playing with other children and practicing language and social skills. This program is specifically designed for those ages 18 mos -2 yrs who struggle in an area of development. Register
Sensory Tea Time Play
Mon, Nov 25, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Storytime Room
Ooh la la - it's teatime! Encourage imagination and sensory play with this tea themed playtime.
Write to a Friend
Thu, Dec 05, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
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.
Adapted Storytime
Thu, Dec 05, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Storytime Room
This 30-minute storytime followed by a time for socialization is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience.
Registration opens Thursday, November 28 2019 at 9:00am
Crafty Adults
Tue, Dec 10, 12:00pm - 2:30pm
Feeling crafty? Join us and make a unique work of art!
Adapted Storytime
Thu, Dec 12, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Storytime Room
This 30-minute storytime followed by a time for socialization is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience.
Registration opens Thursday, December 5 2019 at 9:00am
Music Therapy & More
Fri, Dec 13, 9:30am - 10:00am
Dover Room
This program is for children who are struggling in an area of development. Join us for a program that teaches families how to use music to improve their child's motor, communication and social skills.
Music Therapy & More
Fri, Dec 13, 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.
Music Therapy & More
Sat, Dec 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.
Music Therapy & More
Sat, Dec 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.
BINGO
Tue, Dec 17, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Porter Room
It's time to play BINGO! Adults with special needs will play BINGO for fun and socialization. Small prizes available. No cost to play. No BINGO experience necessary. All materials provided.
Cookie Decorating
Thu, Dec 19, 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Craft Room
Engage your child's senses and encourage messy play while delighting in the fun and wonder of the season. Ages 3-7.
Registration opens Thursday, December 12 2019 at 9:00am
Adapted Storytime
Thu, Dec 19, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Storytime Room
This 30-minute storytime followed by a time for socialization is designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience.
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.