Youth Abilities Fair Brings Special-Needs Resources, Fun to Centereach March 28

Middle Country Public Library's Centereach branch is hosting the Youth Abilities Fair, a special-needs resource fair and family fun day, this Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 101 Eastwood Blvd. The event is organized in partnership with Middle Country SEPTA, a Special Education PTA unit organized for those interested in the issues of educating special-needs and gifted and talented children.

The fair is built around two tracks running simultaneously: resources for parents and hands-on activities for kids. Parents can meet representatives from various organizations and learn about their resources, services, and activities for children and teens, while younger participants can enjoy a sensory space, crafts, games, and a chance to meet the Super Mario Brothers and friends.

New to this year's lineup is an interactive music show with the BenAnna Band, scheduled for 1 p.m. The BenAnna Band is a nationally touring children's duo that focuses on music and inclusion for kids of all ages, abilities, and identities, and brings live musical instruments to all their concerts for the audience to physically participate in the music. Both members have worked with students with developmental delays across a wide range of diagnoses, and all their performances are sensory friendly. Both Anna and Ben are based on Long Island.

SEPTAs are designed to build strong partnerships among parents, teachers, administrators, existing PTAs, and the community, for the benefit of families and children receiving special education services. The Centereach event reflects that mission directly, pairing MCPL's community reach with Middle Country SEPTA's connections to local families navigating the special-education landscape.

The Youth Abilities Fair is open to all families. For more information, call MCPL at 631-585-9393.