Current Press Release

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library will host the “3rd Annual Ocean County Library Autism Resources Fair” from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 7. This will be the largest Fair to date with more than 40 agencies expected to attend.

The Fair will provide a forum in which families affected by autism can access the resources of state, county, and local organizations. Participating groups will include medical professionals, therapists, advocates, schools, and other agencies.

The Fair will include the following programs:

A keynote address, “Guardianship and Special Needs Planning,” by Christine Matus, Esq. of the Matus Law Group.

“ABA Therapy: An Overview,” by Cyndee Policastro-Smith, BCBA, of the Family Resource Network.

“Employment Opportunities for People with Autism,” by Tara Cunningham, CEO, Specialisterne USA and Jessica Vail, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor I, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development

“Service Dog Law,” by Louise and Kim Bratnik of Canine Companions for Independence

Balloon Art by Cheryl Schwendel

An appearance by the Vader’s 501st Legion “Star Wars” Costumed Characters

The main entertainer will be Kevin Spencer, Educator and Artist, who will present his magic show “Hocus Pocus,” a sensory-friendly, relaxed family performance. This show is sponsored in part by Ocean County College and the Ocean County Library Foundation.

There will also be therapy dogs, sensory storytimes, and drop-in arts and crafts. Light refreshments will also be provided.

The event is sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation and by Christine Matus, Esq., of the Matus Law Group.

The branch is located at 101 Washington Street in Toms River.

Registration is not required for this free event. However, in-person registration will be required for the sensory storytimes. For more information, call the branch at 732-349-6200 or visit theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

02-25-2019-TR-Autism-Fair.pdf