Each October, the library celebrates Inclusion Awareness Month, which recognizes the Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s commitment to connect you to resources and programs, highlight enhancements in accessibility and invite community feedback. Featured programming includes a celebration kickoff on Friday, September 29 with a Grease Sock Hop dance party for adults presented in collaboration with Northwest Special Recreation Association, The Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Products Road Show on October 10, and Make Some Music! A Supported Family Program on October 20. More information below.
With the community’s feedback and guidance, the library continues to improve accessibility. During 2023, the library conducted an assessment of library facilities and developed an updated ADA transition plan, created Braille enhancements for an Earth Day scavenger hunt and StoryWalk® at Pioneer Park and developed supported programming for adults and youth audiences, including a Touch Tour of Junie B. Jones the Musical that provided individuals who are blind or have low vision the opportunity to touch and learn about the show’s props, costumes and set to help provide context for the program.
As part of the renovation now underway in Kids' World, building updates coming this fall include installation of an accessible, all-gender restroom and a wellness room for nursing or those in need of a calming/private space in Kids’ World, as well as continued development of the Accessibility Support Collection.
For more information on this and other assistive devices, and to tell us more about your needs and ideas, contact Senior and Accessible Services at 847-870-3712 or email us at accessibility@ahml.info.
Accessibility Resources
Did you know you can borrow things like a currency reader or folding cane seat from the library? Or that you can have books and other library materials delivered right to your home if you are unable to visit the library? It's all part of the library's Accessibility Services and includes Library Delivery Services, enhanced materials in our collection for adults and youth, assistive devices to borrow and more. View Accessibility Services here.
Some day-to-day tasks like carrying grocery bags, holding a key to open a door and twisting off small lids or bottle caps are now a whole lot easier thanks to the library’s Assistive Tools Kit, 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. Borrow a kit or make one of your own. Learn more here.
Inclusion Awareness Month Programs
Grease Sock Hop
Friday, September 29, 6-8 p.m. / Hendrickson Room / Register
Kickoff off October's celebration of Inclusion Awareness Month! Enjoy an evening of dancing and more, featuring a DJ, snacks, crafts and a photo booth. Dress as your favorite character from Rydell High and wear your fabulous '50s fashion. For adults ages 18 and over of all abilities. Presented in partnership with Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA).
Assistive Tools Kit Demo
Sunday, October 1, 12:30-2 p.m. / Makerplace, 112 N. Belmont Ave. / Drop in
Celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Assistive Tools Kit! The kit includes aids for daily living fabricated on 3D printers at the Makerplace. Drop in to learn how you can make and use these items and watch a 3D printing demo. Make it a family visit and receive a free tool accessory toy for a doll or action figure. Giveaway available for the first 20 guests.Drop in to learn how you can make and use assistive tools for daily living fabricated on 3D printers at the Makerplace. Free tool giveaway for the first 20 guests. Visit ahml.info/assistive_kit for more details.
Our Time Developmental Playgroup
Tuesday, October 3, 10-11 a.m. / Lindsey Room / Drop in
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. Siblings welcome. Facilitated by Beth Deiter, C.I.T.Y. of Support.
Your Money: Top 10 Special Needs Financial Planning Tips
Tuesday, October 3, 7-8 p.m. / Cardinal Room / Register
Join Mike Walther, Founder and President of Oak Wealth Advisors, to learn about financial planning and special needs planning for any family with a loved one with a disability.
Brain Health
Thursday, October 5, 1:30-3 p.m. / Hendrickson Room / Register
Learn how cognitive function is measured and discover how you might incorporate cognitive activities that research indicates may maintain or enhance your brain health. Dr. Kristin R. Krueger is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and a research scientist at Rush University Medical Center who studies lifestyle factors and cognitive function in older adults.
The Chicago Lighthouse Low Vision Products Road Show
Tuesday, October 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. / Cardinal Room / Drop in
Drop in and experience state-of-the-art technology with staff from The Chicago Lighthouse and explore a variety of products including magnifiers, portable reading devices, independent living aids, accessibility software and more. Test each product and receive advice from expert staff to discover the right tools to improve your quality of life.
Sensory Storytime
Tuesday, October 17, 2:30-3 p.m. / Cardinal Room / Day-of Tickets
Join us for stories, songs, and gentle sensory experiences for kids of all abilities. Siblings welcome. Ages 3-8 with caregiver.
Make Some Music! A Supported Family Program
Friday, October 20, 4-4:45 p.m. / Cardinal Room / Register starting October 1
Join us for musical books and songs and then explore different stations where you can make your own instruments or visit the instrument petting zoo. We will use a visual schedule and have lap weights and fidgets available. For ages 3 and up with a caregiver.
Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal & Financial Planning
Tuesday, October 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m. / Hendrickson Room / Register
Join staff from the Alzheimer's Association to learn tips on how to have honest and caring conversations with family members about going to the doctor, when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans. Q&A will follow.
Friday Film Fun: The Princess Bride Costume Party & Movie
Friday, October 27, 6-8:45 p.m. / Hendrickson Room / Register
Dress up as your favorite character from Florin and join us for a pre-show party with fun activities, crafts and a photo booth. Screening of The Princess Bride (Rated PG, 98 minutes) will begin at 7 p.m. This program is for ages 18 and over of all abilities.
Our Time Celebration
Saturday, October 28, 2-3:30 p.m. / Hendrickson Room / Drop in
All are invited to drop in for a time of connection and festivity as we celebrate inclusion through activities, crafts and tools that help serve youth with disabilities. This celebratory event is aimed towards families of youth with disabilities, those who are considering therapy services, and service providers.
Job Searching for People with Disabilities
Monday, October 30, 7-8 p.m. / Cardinal Room / Register
Are you or someone you know a job seeker with a disability? Garret Rosiek, MA, MBA, will share valuable information for this audience, from employment opportunities to workplace accommodations. In addition, Rosiel will provide a list of potential employers and organizations to help you connect to the right job. Garret brings ten years of experience working with people with disabilities, teaching, and coaching. His focus lies in positive employment outcomes and career coaching. American Sign Language interpretation services will be provided.