STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – The Sterling Heights Public Library has launched a brand new program to help children with special needs.
The program is called “Adaptive Storytelling”, and enhances story time for children who might have a difficult time with the traditional way.
“(It’s) a place for them to come and play with other children who have similar sensitivities and feel safe and learn in a comfortable and safe environment,” said youth librarian Tricia Ryan.
Ryan runs the program and choses activities based on a theme to foster and encourage learning.
She said it also benefits parents, who might be concerned their child would disrupt story time.
There is one hiccup though; not enough people know about it.
A few months in, only a few children at best take advantage of the program which takes place the first or second weekend of each.
“It can be discouraging,” said Ryan. "But if you reach one child, that’s one more child touched by what you did that day. But I would like more, I would love to have this room filled with children, that would be great.”
It’s free to anyone, but registration is required.
For more information, visit their website and find the next “Adaptive Storytelling” session on the calendar.
