Current Press Release

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library’s Sixth Annual Autism Resources Fair, returning to a live format for the first time since 2019, will take place in the Toms River Branch, 10 AM to 3 PM Saturday, April 15.

Families affected by autism and developmental disabilities can find resources suited to their needs among nearly 40 support groups, medical professionals, therapists, advocates, schools, nonprofits, public agencies and service vendors. The five-hour Fair will also include:

• Keynote Address by Paul Aronsohn, the New Jersey Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
• “ABA Therapy: An Overview,” by Step Up Family Services
• “The Developmental Model of Autism Care for Children, Teens, and Families: The What, Where, How, When, and Why,” by Dr. Susan Smith-Foley of Positive Development
• “Preparing for Emergencies,” by Jamie Prioli, Disability Services, Ocean County College
• Sibling Get-Together, led by Ocean County Librarian Kate Sanchez
• “Chair Yoga with Belle,” featuring Ocean County Library Assistant Belle Burns
• “Sensory Shaker Bottles,” crafting for teens and adults, with Ocean County Librarian Jessica Petrecca and Sensory Space Assistant Meredith Silvestri
• Balloon Art by Debby Pease, of Premier Picnics & Parties
• “Sing and Play with Ms. Kat and SLP Musically,” with Kat Tappan-Verderosa
• “Paws for Reading,” a chance for children to exercise their reading skills for friendly, attentive therapy dogs.
• Free Identification Cards for those with developmental disabilities, supplied by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.
• The 501st Legion Northeast Remnant, ready to join you for keepsake photos.

Light refreshments will be provided. Individuals who need a pause in the day’s activities can visit the Sensory Space in the Toms River Branch, and the Toms River Township Sensory Trailer, stationed curbside, directly outside the Branch. Free parking will be available in the Toms River Township Parking Garage, adjacent to the Branch.

The Autism Resources Fair is sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation. Registration is not required to attend this free event. To ensure seating for certain programs, registration at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/autism is required.

For more information, visit the Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, call (732) 349-6200, or keep up with new details through the OCL Autism Resources Center on the Library’s website.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.

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