Allyson Mahoney
‘This Is Absolutely Amazing’: Inclusive Together, Library Organize Inaugural Back-To-School Event
|
Dozens of local parents, community organizations, service providers and district officials gathered at New Canaan Library on Wednesday afternoon for a first-of-its-kind back-to-school event serving parents with children who are neurodivergent, have disabilities or have learning differences.
Launched by New Canaan-founded nonprofit Inclusive Together and the library, the inaugural “Back-To-School Together” event featured well-attended workshops and a room full of service providers and local agencies that serve community members raising children who fit under the umbrella of special education. “This is absolutely amazing,” Lauren Tarzia, founder of Inclusive Together, said as attendees chatted with representatives from organizations including the New Canaan YMCA, New Canaan Mounted Troop and New Canaan Police Department. “This is something we’ve been wanting to do for a while,” Tarzia said. “We’ve partnered with the library since they’ve been so supportive of all of our initiatives.”
The co-organizers wanted to bring together families with children who are served by a wide range of services “because really there is no tight-knit community of parents or caregivers like this.”
“And also it’s an opportunity for our resources that are here today, to network and get to know each other and see how they can help one another get the word out about their resources,” she added. “There are therapists here—speech-language therapists, occupational therapists—the New Canaan YMCA is here promoting their inclusive support programs. There are different centers here who provide therapy and testing and other types of educational services.