Brooklyn Park, Osseo Schools Host All Abilities Resource Fair on February 19
Brooklyn Park and Osseo Area Schools will once again team up to host the All Abilities Resource Fair at the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center on Thursday, February 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will be a chance for families to learn more about opportunities, programs, and services for special needs and disabled individuals from dozens of vendors.
The All Abilities Resource Fair is Thursday, February 19 at the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center. (Photo from Osseo Area Schools)
“It was really helpful to be in a place where there are resources all in one area and opportunities that we hadn’t heard about before,” said Melissa Ghizoni who works for the school district but attended the event for the first time last year. She has two elementary school-aged kids who are on the autism spectrum. “We are a multicultural family, and it’s really important that you go to a space where you feel a sense of belonging, and I felt that right away when I came into this space.”
Parents are among the organizers for the event, which is important to its success and effectiveness, according to Co-Organizer Tricia Brisbine.
“This is a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with representatives from all of these different place to find out: is this a good fit for my individual child or family,” said Brisbine. “It can be quite overwhelming to just see a resource guide and pick something.”
The evening also includes child care provided by school district staff. That may involve an area with a make-and-take craft, or a sensory room.
“We want families to feel welcome and to be able to bring their children with them and know that they have a safe place to go,” said City of Brooklyn Park Adaptive Recreation Specialist Erin Bonikowske. “It really meets everyone’s needs.”
Bonikowske points to the event’s growth over the last few years as one reason she knows its making a difference in the northwest suburbs for families who are seeking any and all resources they can.
“I know that we’re making an impact for our community, being able to bring all of these different resources together all in one place,” she said.
