Fair to showcase disability resources
People with disabilities can find ways to make life a little easier Saturday when Naperville sponsors its annual disability resource fair.
The event, Naperville Opens Doors: Building Independence in the Community, boasts roughly 70 exhibitors and goes from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. Admission and refreshments are free.
Featuring both information and entertainment, the fair will be a "lively and fun environment" with resources for a variety of ages and disabilities, according to Joan Baltusis, chairman of the Naperville Mayor's Advisory Commission on Disabilities.
Baltusis says older visitors may benefit from information on modifications to their home, young adults can get help finding jobs or housing opportunities and children can find therapy services and recreational opportunities.
Exhibitors include Marklund Children's Home, Autism Community Connection, Adaptive Living Solutions, Voices of Vision Talking Book Center and GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Awareness Center.
The Naturals, a band from the Creative Exchange Music Therapy Clinic in Westchester, will provide entertainment for the event. The group is made up of children with autism along with a music therapist and professional drummer.
Clinic owner Kari Christiansen said many children with autism tend to have an inherent musical ability. Even some who are nonverbal can sing an entire song while others have perfect pitch.
"Part of our philosophy is that they're not functioning at a lower level, it's actually at a higher level and the complexities of music help organize that," Christiansen said. "Sounds and pitches coming together to make the final product is very soothing to kids with autism."
Saturday's fair also will include a We Grow Dreams spring plant sale and demonstrations by Morris Service Dogs, Canine Companions for Independence and horses from Ready Set Ride Therapeutic Recreation Facility.
Ready Set Ride program director Lisa Afshari said it is the group's first year at the fair. She plans to bring two to three horses that fairgoers can pet and groom.
The program, based in Plainfield, provides recreational therapy to children with special needs, helping them learn to mount, ride and dismount horses. They also play games such as baseball and have relay races while riding the horses, which helps with strengthening muscles, following directions and hand-eye coordination.
"Kids think they're playing games but it's really therapy," Afshari said.
For a full list of exhibitors, visit www.naperville.il.us/dynamic_content.aspx?id=7088.
If You Go
What: Naperville Opens Doors: Building Independence in the Community disability resource fair with roughly 70 exhibitors
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
Info: (630) 305-5330, www.naperville.il.us