The Special Needs Resource Center (SNRC) was created in response to the increasing need to provide information and guidance to families, educators, and providers to the special needs community. It is a collaborative effort between the Scotts Valley Friends of the Library (FVSVPL) and the Santa Cruz Public Libraries (Library).
FSVPL provides financial support as well as subject expertise; while the Library oversees the collection and makes it available to the community.
The Special Needs Resource Collection is being made available through a $15,000 grant from Area Board VII written by Elizabeth Walch, president of the Friends of the Library – Scotts Valley Chapter.
In September of 2011 the FSVPL was approached by the Area VII Board of the state disabilities council to apply for a grant that would allow for the expansion and increased services of the SNRC. This has opened the way for increased services, programs and materials.
Scotts Valley residents Susie Christensen and Peter Mclean are the local representatives on the Area VII Board and were instrumental in securing the grant and advocating for education and services in our community. The original donation to the collection was made by Peter and Maureen Mclean who donated over 70 special needs resource publications to start the collection. Internationally known therapist, author and lecturer Michelle Garcia Winner donated copies of all the publications produced by her company, Social Thinking Publishing.
The collection includes reference books, legal manuals, videos and DVDs either purchased as part of the grant or donated. Conditions addressed in the Special Needs Resource Center collection include Autism, ADD, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Visual Impairment, Pervasive Developmental Delays, Dyspraxia, Bipolar disorder, sensory processing disorders, Down syndrome, Anxiety, Depression and OCD. Other available resources include addressing legal rights for those with disabilities, obtaining appropriate educational placement, dealing with siblings of a special needs child and much more. It is the only collection of its kind in Santa Cruz County.
The Scotts Valley Library will be home base for the collection of books and materials for the special needs community. Parents, educators and individuals with special needs throughout the Santa Cruz Public Library System will be able to access these resources.
An advisory board of parents with special needs children is being formed to advise the FSVPL and the Library on how to best serve the special needs community. It is our hope that in the coming months and years we will have resources available to serve the ever increasing population with special needs, helping them to access services and programs and providing literature and materials to help every individual to achieve his or her potential.
If you have a desire to become involved or make any kind of donation please contact us at FriendsoftheSVlibrary@gmail.com.
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