NORTH CANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL INCLUSION FAIR
NORTH CANTON, Ohio, February 20, 2024 – The North Canton Public Librarywill host its second annual Inclusion Fair Saturday, March 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. The fair will feature interactive stations throughout the building in an effort to help attendees gain a better understanding of the ways children and adults with disabilities use different tools to walk, talk, see and hear.
“I think every parent has experienced that moment of uncertainty when their child has encountered someone in public who walks, talks, or communicates differently than they do. A child, unsure of how to respond, may point or stare in the moment, and a lot of times, we as parents don’t know how to guide them,” library director Andrea Legg explained. “In order to break down the stigma surrounding disabilities, kids need to ask questions, learn, and feel comfortable around their friends and neighbors who navigate life differently than they do. My hope is that this event will help inspire those conversations and encourage children to be respectfully curious and ultimately more empathetic.”
Inclusion Fair attendees will have an opportunity to:
- Visit an immersive reality station with the Ohio Board of Developmental Disabilities;
- Learn and play with adaptive toys that have been re-imagined so kids with disabilities can enjoy them;
- Learn about speech-generating and augmentative and alternative communication devices that help people share their thoughts and feelings more easily;
- Explore home modification options that help eliminate the environmental barriers of daily living;
- Experience a sensory tray, physical therapy equipment and sensory kits;
- Increase their awareness of the many resources available in our community;
- And more!
Featured businesses and organizations include: the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities, The Golden Key Center, Gigi’s Playhouse, the Autism Society of Greater Akron, PlayCo Kids Gym & Therapy, Ability Ministry, OCALI, J-TEK, and more.
Additionally, those who complete their Inclusion Fair Passport by visiting each station will be entered to win a $100 gift card to either Sir Troy’s Toy Kingdom or Books-a-Million. The event is open to all ages, but activities will be geared towards children who are 18 months to 12 years old with their families.
The library
is located at 185 N. Main Street in North Canton. For more information visit
ncantonlibrary.org.
About the North Canton Public Library
Founded in 1926, the North Canton Public Library’s mission is to provide access to diverse educational, informational, and recreational materials, programs, and services in support of lifelong learning and enjoyment for all. The library strives to fulfill this mission by providing diverse, quality programs, services and resources for everyone, while supporting relationships that empower individuals to pursue enlightenment and enhance knowledge.
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