Inclusive Programs for Our Diverse Community

It is HCPL’s goal to create an environment where everyone feels welcome to connect, learn, and grow. We recognize that the needs of our community are diverse, and aim to provide opportunities for all library users to learn and socialize. Our staff work to design and offer program series that are welcoming for patrons, both young and old, with varying developmental and intellectual needs. Read on to learn about our available programs, resources, and titles from the collection!

PROGRAMS

While the following programs were designed specifically for patrons with varying developmental and intellectual needs, we aim for all our programs to be inclusive. If you have questions about a program or a need for an adaptation, contact the program’s hosting library. Patrons are always welcome to drop in and observe programs to see if they might be a good fit.

• Adaptive Storytime
  • Tuckahoe: Select Tuesdays, 3:30 – 4PM
  • Fairfield: Select Thursdays, 10 – 10:30AM
  • Varina: Select Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11AM
  • Best for ages 1-12 and all abilities with an adult.Designed to be welcoming for neurodivergent children, this inclusive storytime incorporates movement, music, stories, sensory activities, and play. Activities presented generally fall within a preschool interest level. Siblings and therapists are welcome. Registration is required for all attendees (including parents/caregivers) and opens two days before the storytime. Please call your preferred location (Tuckahoe, Fairfield, or Varina) if you need help with registration.

• Art for All Abilities
  • Offered at multiple locations and times
  • Adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their caregivers are invited to explore hands-on art projects in this workshop led by Art on Wheels. Available spots are limited and registration is required for all participants including a required caregiver. All art materials and instruction will be provided. 

• Fun for All Abilities
  • Fairfield: Select Wednesdays, 10 – 11AM
  • Libbie Mill: Select Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11:30AM
  • Welcoming adults with diverse intellectual and developmental abilities, this program will provide different activity stations (such as crafts and puzzles) that participants and caregivers can enjoy at their own pace. Registration for every participant and caregiver attendee is required.After the program, check out some books on craft activities. All supplies provided.

RESOURCES

• Sensory Reset Kits – The library is an exciting place with lots to see, hear, and do. If your little one is feeling overwhelmed and needs a moment to reset, visit any Children’s reference desk to ask about our sensory kits. Sensory kits are available for in-library use and include a variety of items like fidgets, headphones, and sunglasses to help younger library users experiencing overstimulation.

• Family Comfort Room– Fairfield’s Children’s department has a special room designed for families. This room provides a quiet, comfortable space with adjustable lighting that can serve as a calming environment for sensory purposes.

COLLECTION

Explore our collection to find information and stories that highlight the voices of individuals from the disability community.

KIDS

• A Different Kind of Normal: My Real-Life Completely True Story About Being Unique by Abigail Balfe
• A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey (also available on Hoopla)
• A Kids Book About Disability by Kristine Napper
• Can You See Me? by Libby Scott (also available on Hoopla)
• Me and My Sister and Talking is Not My Thing by Rose Robbins (also available on Hoopla)
• Speak Up! by Rebecca Burgess
• The Unstoppable Jamie by Joy Givens
• Unbound: The Life + Art of Judith Scott by Joyce Scott
• Understanding Disability series by various authors (also available on Hoopla)

TEENS

• The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide: A Practical Handbook for Autistic Teens and Tweens by Yenn Purkis
• Daisy Woodworm Changes the World by Melissa Hart (also available on Hoopla)
• Disability Visibility: 17 First-Person Stories for Today (adapted for young adults) by Alice Wong
• Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum by Michael McCreary (also available on Hoopla)
• My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders by Monzusu
• Rosie Loves Jack by Mel Darbon
• The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide: How to Grow Up Awesome and Autistic by Siena Castellon
• The Spirit Bares its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White
• Superb [Vol.1]: Life After the Fallout by David Walker (also available on Hoopla)
• Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman (also available on Hoopla)

ADULTS

• Autism for Adults: An Approachable Guide to Living Excellently on the Spectrum by Daniel Jones
• About Us: Essays from the Disability Series of the New York Times edited by Peter Catapano (also available on Hoopla)
• Born Extraordinary: Empowering Children with Differences and Disabilities by Meg Zucker
• Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be An Ally by Emily Ladau
• Disability Pride: Dispatches from a Post-ADA World by Ben Mattlin
• Odd Girl Out: My Extraordinary Autistic Life by Laura James
• Navigating Autism: 9 Mindsets for Helping Kids on the Spectrum by Temple Grandin and Debra Moore (also available on Hoopla)
• Uncomfortable Labels: My Life As A Gay Autistic Trans Woman by Laura Kate Dale
• We’re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation by Eric Garcia (also available on Hoopla)