Enrichment and acceptance. Those concepts are what parents & caregivers want most for their special needs children, yet they can sometimes be difficult to find. Take storytime at your local library, for example. The purpose of storytime is to enrich children through stories, songs & rhymes, and also to expose children to social situations, all in preparation for going to school. For many children, participation in storytime is a rite of passage. However, for children with special needs, this can seem like an insurmountable challenge.
Take a moment to imagine this scenario: You are the parent of an autistic child. You know that storytime is an important stepping stone in child development, and you want to give your child the opportunity to interact with other children. You decide to take your child to storytime at your local library. Things start off okay, but your child fidgets constantly keeps loudly repeating a phrase from a story, and twice throws a mild tantrum. You know that this behavior is normal for your child, but the glares you’re receiving from other parents make you uncomfortable. Do they assume you’re a bad parent? Are they mistaking your child’s behavioral quirks for being an uncontrollable brat?
Many parents of special needs children have told me that they’ve experienced scenarios like this. It’s a horrible feeling to want the best for your child, but as a result get the stink eye from other adults.
Fortunately, many public libraries are realizing the need for programming that is specifically geared toward those with special needs. It was one year ago that the Eastlake Public Library started offering Special Needs Storytime, and it has continued to be one of our most important regular programs.
What sets the Eastlake Library’s Special Needs Storytime apart from a “regular” storytime is that everything – stories, songs, rhymes, & playtime – is highly interactive. Children engage in all of the activities through props, guessing games & movement; and all of the activities are kept relatively short in order to keep their interest. We also provide sensory balls, bean bags, and other “fidgets” for those who need them to focus; and we conduct the storytime in a closed room to minimize distraction. The best part of Special Needs Storytime is that children can feel free to express themselves in whatever way that is unique to them, and parents can feel at ease knowing that they’re in good company.
If you are the parent or caregiver of a child with special needs (or if you know one!), be sure to check if your local library offers “special needs,” “sensory,” or “inclusive” programming. Both the Eastlake and Willoughby Public Libraries offer monthly “Special Needs Storytimes,” and the Willowick Public Library offers a monthly “Special Needs LEGO Club.” All of these programs are absolutely FREE, and you don’t have to be a local resident to participate. Check out our website: we247.org.
