Emergency preparedness is important for all families and caregivers to know, especially when it comes to caring for people with special needs. On Tuesday, May 10 at 7pm, the Northbrook Public Library and the Northern Suburban Special Education District (NSSED) will present a special presentation called Families with Special Needs: Working with First Responders. A sensory-friendly program for children will run concurrently with the program for adults.
“We offer things like art programs, sensory-friendly movie screenings, and music programs for people with special needs, but this program is the first of its kind,” said Sarah Rustman, School & Special Services Librarian. “This is the first time we have offered a program that is designed for both adults and children.”
At the Working with First Responders presentation, parents and caregivers will have the chance to learn from Northbrook Police Department representatives to learn how to handle 911 emergencies and learn how to prepare and assist first responders in an emergency. Additionally, attendees will be able to learn how to sign up for the Illinois Premise Alert Program, which allows caregivers to inform police, fire, and EMS personnel of any considerations that must be made when responding to an individual with special needs.
“Our First Responders program is one that people giving care to anyone would find valuable, whether they are caring for young children, people with special needs, or seniors,” said Youth Services Manager Kelly Durov. “The steps to prepare for an emergency are the same for each group of people, so I think many people in the community will get a lot out of this program.”
“People will also get the chance to see officers face-to-face and get to know the people they would be working with in the case of an emergency,” said Rustman.
While adults attend the Working with First Responders discussion, children ages 5-12 can enjoy the evening in the Youth Services Activity Room, where Library staff and NSSED volunteers will present a program for children with special needs and their siblings.
“At the children’s program, we’ll have a sensory story time and some interactive play,” said Rustman “Staff from NSSED will be assisting with the program, so if there are any kids that need one-on-one support, we can provide that.”
The Library welcomes people of all abilities to attend programs. To register for Families with Special Needs: Working with First Responders, please visit www.northbrook.info or call the Youth Services Department 847-272-4300. The adult program will be held from 7pm-8:30pm in the Pollak Room; the children’s program will be held from 6:45pm-8:45pm. If you or your child require special accommodations, please call 847-272-6224.
