Freeholder Brian D. Levine invites residents to attend the free 2017 Somerset County DisABILITY Services Fair Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Thomas J. Kavanaugh VFW Hall, 600 Washington Ave. in Manville 08835
People with disabilities, their caregivers, family members, friends and all in the community are invited. The theme of the event summarizes its purpose: “Opening doors and dialogue to welcome all countywide.”

The event focuses on disability-related information, but will be of value to anyone interested in learning about county, state and local agencies, organizations and businesses that serve the citizens of Somerset County.

“We are pleased to be able to offer a wide variety of resources at this Fair,” said Freeholder Brian D. Levine, human services division liaison. “I hope many people will take advantage of this opportunity to learn what is available to them, their family and friends.

“It makes sense to be proactive and to know what options are available before they are needed,” he said. “Often decisions have to be made quickly for the comfort and benefit of our loved ones at a time when we may already be overwhelmed and possibly stretched to our limit.”

This year’s Fair again will have a Kids Korner with activities to entertain the young ones, which will allow parents and guardians to more freely visit and speak with exhibitors. As part of the “Somerset County’s Got Talent” feature at the event, the Matheny Arts Access Program will be presenting works from their art studio and performers from their dance program.
New this year will be a hands-on demonstration of affordable assistive devices (e.g., easy-grip eating utensils and scissors, weighted pens, etc.) that encourage independence in accomplishing everyday tasks.
In addition to Provider Services’ exhibit tables in the Main Hall, there will be an onsite free workshop on hearing aids presented by The Audiology Center at Montclair State University at 11 a.m. Pre-registration is not required, but space is limited. Contact Disability Services Coordinator Paulann Pierson at (908) 704-6334 or ppierson@co.somerset.nj.us to ensure a space.

Free transportation will be available, through the Somerset County Transportation Division’s para-transit services, to residents who register by Sept. 1. To reserve a seat, call the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services at (908) 704-6346 or email Paulann Pierson at ppierson@co.somerset.nj.us.

Representatives from more than 40 county, state and local agencies, organizations and businesses will share information about services they provide and will be available to assist you. To date the following Somerset County divisions and affiliates will be on hand: Board of Social Services, Office on Aging & Disability Services, Health Department, Office of Emergency Management, Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center, Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), Veterans Services, the Somerset County Library System and Somerset County Park Commission Therapeutic Recreation.

Also participating will be Alliance Center for Independence; AIP, Alternatives Inc.; Alzheimer’s New Jersey; The Arc of Somerset County; Arts Access Program at Matheny; The Association of Blind Athletes of New Jersey; CEA; Central Jersey Family Health Consortium; Children’s Specialized Hospital Autism Education; The Community Health Law Project; Community Visiting Nurse Association; Disability Rights New Jersey; Easter Seals; Family Support Organization of Hunterdon, Somerset & Warren Counties; Gigi’s Playhouse; Grace Healthcare Services; The Midland School; Montclair State University Audiology Center; Mount Bethel Village; New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired; New Jersey Commission on Recreation of Individuals with Disabilities; New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; New Jersey Relay & CapTel; New Jersey SHARES Inc.; New Jersey Support Coordination @Caregivers of New Jersey; Senior Medicare Patrol; and United Way Caregivers Coalition.