March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Western Cuyahoga County Resource Fair (formerly known as the Meet and Greet) will be held on Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Rocky River Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd.

With March being Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, this Connecting for Kids event brings awareness to the many providers in the community who offer help to those struggling with ADHD, learning issues, an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays. According to the CDC, developmental disabilities affect approx. 1 in 6 children (17%) aged 3-17 years.

In addition, with the prevalence of mental health concerns today, the fair also provides numerous resources for those experiencing anxiety, depression and behavioral problems.

This free event, presented in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River, features more than 60 local providers including therapists, mental health professionals, funding sources, adapted summer camps and more for those 0-12 years old. Participants can visit with representatives from a variety of organizations to discuss services and explore program options.

Families who pre-register and attend the in-person fair will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card. In addition, the first 100 families in the door will receive a free stuffed animal with a disability awareness pin.

Families who are not comfortable attending in person can drive up to the tent in front of the Don Umerley Center during fair hours to receive a grab & go bag in a safe, socially distanced way.

Whichever option a family chooses, they will receive a free bag filled with fliers and resources from area providers and a folder filled with information from our sponsors that can be used to organize the materials.

For a complete list of participants and to register for either the in-person resource fair or to reserve a grab & go bag, visit www.connectingforkids.org/west-cuyahoga-fair, or call/text: 440-570-5908.