Vicenza library offers new books, DVDs for special needs children

By Deanna Buscema, LICCOctober 31, 2008

Vicenza library offers new books, DVDs for special needs children
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

VICENZA, Italy -- A new collection of books and DVDs focusing on children with special needs got a warm welcome from several community groups at the U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza, Italy, library.

Representatives from various installation organizations -- the Vicenza Community Club, the Llbrary, Army Community Service, Educational and Developmental Intervention Services, New Parent Support, the Local Interaction Coordinating Counsel and the Child Development Center -- attended the inauguration of the new materials, which are part of a project that took a year to complete.

The LICC is a wide ranging group of volunteers from the community, including parents, child development specialists, attorneys, medical professionals and various family support professionals.

They compiled a list of book and DVD titles to be included in the collection, which Steven Brown, the Vicenza librarian, helped to acquire.

The Vicenza Community Club, known for its generosity in helping with community projects, came through with the funding for the collection valued at $2,300.

There are now 21 DVD titles and 31 new books, seven of which are children's books, with many of the DVD titles having multiple discs.

Examples of some of the new titles are "Living with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs" (book), "Autism Spectrum Disorders "(book) and "Sign With Your Baby" (DVD collection).

Additionally, the books and DVDs are now located throughout the library instead of being found in just one location. However, for ease, a complete list is available at the library desk.

Library officials said thanks to the persistence of these community volunteers and professionals, as well as the generosity of the VCC, parents now have resources available to help them become better educated about children with special needs.