Create! for Special Populations

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Developmentally challenged adults in Johnson County have very few opportunities for leisure activities that develop and maintain cognitive skills. Re-purposing and adapting an existing preschool children’s crafts program, the Johnson County Library’s “Create! For Special Populations” has been able to fill a service gap for adults with developmental disabilities. With the help of library staff, these adults with widely disparate abilities participate in one of two monthly sessions to practice fine motor skills and decision making in creating thematic crafts that are often inspired by scenes and characters from books. Having their own sessions makes these adults feel comfortable and welcomed, and professional caregivers laud the cognitive development and self esteem that the class affords. Without a doubt, this program fills a gap in existing library service in the community. The two sessions per month are always full, and there is more demand that the library can fill. Although the participating organizations have been constant, the individuals in the classes vary from session to session. In three years of operation, with approximately half of the attendees turning over annually, the program has served more than 420 individuals with developmental disabilities.