Newburyport Public Library seeking input for new programs for people with disabilities.
March 2, 2020Pres Release – March 2, 2020
Newburyport
The Newburyport Public Library is in the beginning stages of creating focused programming for people with disabilities. Our hope is to create a welcoming environment where individuals, caregivers, and group home/ day program clients can come for fun, interesting programs. Currently, we are in the information gathering stage. We have planned a focus group at the library for Wednesday, March 11th at 7:00 pm, where we hope to get some community feedback about what kinds of programs are in demand and how best to implement them. The focus group is not limited to people who live with disabilities or to Newburyport residents or cardholders. All are welcome to discuss inclusive programming.
We also have an online survey. The survey link can be accessed by going to our website www.newburyportpl.org and clicking on events, and going to the event on March 11th. Paper surveys are available in the library and at the Newburyport Senior Center, but the online survey is the most up-to-date, as we have been amending it based on feedback received thus far.
These programs are being created for people who might have difficulty enjoying our other programs. We are starting with sensory films, and have scheduled those for the 3rd Monday of the month. Our first film is March 16th at 2:30 pm. We may end up changing the times of the films in the future so that people still in school or employment based programs can more easily attend; that decision will be made based on community feedback. Other programs in the planning stage include games, music, and craft programs for people with cognitive impairments and/or dementia, and movies with descriptive audio for people who have visual impairments. Our goal is to use the resources we have to create good quality programming guided by the feedback we get from the community.
These programs are aimed towards adults and teens ages 12+, but children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult. For more information contact Sally Rubinstein, Adult Programming Librarian.
Sally Rubinstein, MLIS
Adult Programming Librarian
Newburyport Public Library
94 State St
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 465-4428
http://www.newburyportpl.org/
