Special Needs Resource Center Opens at Libary

The is now home to a special collection of books and materials for the special needs community made possible by a grant from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities.

“We are so pleased that the library’s commitment to providing resources and education to the community now includes the special needs community,” said Elizabeth Walch, president of the Friends of the Library – Scotts Valley Chapter. “We hope to obtain a similar grant next year so that we can continue to build on the Special Needs Resource Collection and do even more community outreach in support of our school system.”

The Special Needs Resource Center opened on June 2 and includes reference books, legal manuals, videos and DVDs either purchased as part of the grant or donated.

Parents, educators and individuals with special needs throughout the Santa Cruz Public Library System will be able to access these resources. Conditions addressed in the center’s collection include Autism, ADD, ADHD, Tourette’s Syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Visual Impairment, Pervasive Developmental Delays, Dyspraxia, Bipoloar disorder, sensory processing disorders, Down Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression and OCD.

Internationally known therapist, author and lecturer Michelle Garcia Winner donated copies of all the publications produced by her company, Social Thinking Publishing. Resources that can be found in the new center include addressing legal rights for those with disabilities, obtaining appropriate educational placement, dealing with siblings of a special needs child and much more.

For more information on the Special Needs Resource Center, please go the Scotts Valley Library web site at http://www.santacruzpl.org/branches/12/