Programming for Adults with Special Needs
We have some engaging and fun programming and events coming up for our adults with special needs. Through our partnership with Lake Orion Community Schools and the PHASES program for 19-26 year olds, plus the many adults with special needs in our community that come and volunteer at the library, we wanted to provide events and programming that would be accessible and interesting for them to participate in.
Our exciting fall season of programming includes Express Yourself: An After-Hours Fashion Show! This will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 5:30pm-7:30pm. We invite our adults with special needs and their caregivers to join us for an evening celebrating self-expression, individuality and personal style. They can show off their confidence and creativity as they walk, roll, or dance down the runway in an outfit that reflects who they are. They can even bring along a prop that represents their passions, whether it be a special sports team, favorite characters or colors that inspire them! We want them to be a part of a fun and supportive atmosphere. There will be music, snacks, photos and more!
Another event we have coming this fall is our S.N.A.P. (Special Needs Adult Programming) Storytime. The event is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, from 12:30pm-1:30pm. We pick a theme and have stories, videos, sing or dance-along participation activities, crafts, sensory tables and a snack. Our attendees come with their job coaches, para-professional staff from the school or their group home staff. The hour goes by very quickly and attendees really enjoy socializing with their peers, learning something new and having some fun at the library!
Last year we added a Homecoming Hoedown and a Prom for the adults with special needs community, and they were very well attended. It is great to see our programming attendance increase as word of mouth about the opportunities spreads. Caregivers and families have expressed how hard it is to find options for adults, so we are happy to expand those choices and give them a place to gather, grow and meet some new friends!
We have also seen an increase in our adults with special needs just coming for library visits with their staff. They enjoy checking out the latest magazines, perusing the new books, working on puzzles, playing a board game, sitting in our beautiful Reading Garden or visiting with other friends that have met while at the library.
One of our goals is to have the library be a community gathering space and we love to see everyone enjoying our spaces, both inside and out!
Keep an eye on our website, social media posts and Orion Living magazine for any information about programming for our adults with special needs community.
We hope to see you at the library soon!
This blog post was written by Lori Morris, Volunteer Engagement Specialist and Shelver Coordinator.
