Each March, The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live. In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, library staff have created a reading list with books from Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily Ladau to I Live a Life Like Yours by Jan Grue. Click here to check it out.
More Ways the Library Supports Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and Beyond
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library is committed to raising awareness about inclusion of those with developmental disabilities and providing resources and tools to help eliminate barriers that those with disabilities face.
Our Accessibility Support Collection in Kids' World offers print materials, toys, therapeutic and adaptive tools and more for kids, caregivers, and therapists. Each month we also host Our Time: Developmental Playgroup, an inclusive drop-in playgroup for children who receive or are considering therapy services, ages 0-5. Children play while families meet and find support. Visit our program calendar each month for dates and times and to learn more about this program.
Some day-to-day tasks like carrying grocery bags, holding a key to open a door and twisting off small lids or bottle caps just got a whole lot easier thanks to the library’s new Assistive Tools Kit as well, a collection of seven small devices selected for their functionality and ease to create using the library’s 3D printers. The tools can be used by people of all ages and include a bottle opener, key turner, pen ball, palm pen, tube opener, signature guard and bag carrier. Click here to learn more.