INCLUDEnyc Hosts Virtual Fair for Young People with Disabilities

New York, NY, January 31, 2022—INCLUDEnyc hosted its annual fair virtually on Saturday, January 29 from 9 AM to 1 PM. This year, over 800 people attended the fair, which featured representatives from 75 organizations.

“For the second year in a row, the INCLUDEnyc Fair was held virtually, allowing attendees to speak directly to representatives from the convenience of their own home. We’re proud to create this community and provide families with information that helps young people with disabilities learn, grow, and socialize,” explained Barbara Glassman, Executive Director of INCLUDEnyc. 

At the fair, attendees were able to speak one-on-one with representatives from participating organizations, like a summer camp or music program, via chat, audio, or video. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to network with each other, growing their community of support.

“There are so few opportunities for families to have free access to information for their neurodiverse children and INCLUDEnyc provides that year after year. It’s so important for us to create a community where our children and families have access to programs, classes, supports, and activities where their strengths are explored and recognized,”  stated Rebecca Thomas, PlayGroup.

In addition to Playgroup, some of the participating organizations include Tech Kids Unlimited, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, CO/LAB Theater, Manhattan Developmental Disabilities  Council, YAI, Brooklyn Public Library, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Game-U.

“Disability Rights New York (DRNY) loves attending the INCLUDEnyc Fair so we can reach new families that may be struggling with finding advocacy services for their loved one with disabilities. We are able to connect with people on the spot and advise them if we can assist. We look forward to attending every year!” explained Nancy Nowak, Senior Advocate at DRNY.

Those who were unable to attend the fair can access the list of participating organizations, along with information about programs and agencies that offer financial support, on INCLUDEnyc’s new website. Visitors will have access to a powerful search tool and resource library that can be filtered by age or topic. Users can also create a profile to bookmark essential resources or share events of interest with friends on social media. 

“INCLUDEnyc are the ones doing the work on the ground, finding solutions to real issues…and making the connection between the stories we share in our films, to the people experiencing them day by day. By attending the fair, we get a chance to speak with the people we hope to represent through the festival,”  said Yaara Kedem, Associate Director at ReelAbilities.