Resource Fair For Special Needs Community Organized In Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Southampton Town is organizing a resource fair for the special needs community.

According to town officials, Friday, July 26 marked the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Southampton Town’s disability task force, which was formed via resolution by Councilman Michael Iasilli, will be hosting the resource fair, the town's first, on November 2 at 12 p.m. at the Hampton Bays Senior Center, along with the Southampton School District.

The event will help provide information on a number of support services for individuals and families with special needs, officials said.

"Despite the protections gained by the ADA, many in our communities continue to face challenges, such as existing financial and knowledge gaps that prevent qualified individuals from accessing critical services," town officials said.

According to the U.S. Census, 41 million people have a disability of some kind. Additionally, the median annual income of people with disabilities is approximately $25,000, census statistics indicate.

The event will help provide options to guide families and individuals seeking to access accommodations and support, economically and socially.

"This is a great step in helping fill the gaps," Iasilli said. "We recently published a helpful disability resource guide that lists a variety of services for the special needs community. This event will help cover additional areas of support that can benefit families and individuals navigating the complex realm of disability services."

Iasilli added that he wanted to thank the town’s ADA coordinator Sean Cambridge and community organization specialist Jamie Bowden, "for their efforts in organizing this critically important event."