The Swampscott Commission on Disability hosted a disability fair on Saturday, September 26, attracting around 200 people of all ages to advocacy, support and information booths in the Swampscott Elementary School cafeteria.
“It can be confusing to sort through all that’s out there or even know where to start, so I hope having so many pillars of the disability resource community in one place can help people,” said Lauren Shrestha, chair of the Swampscott Commission on Disability.
Nearly 50 vendors participated in the event, showcasing a diverse range of resources and services, including advocacy, apparel, support centers, early intervention, government assistance, human support services, insurance and financial planning, recreation and leisure, therapy, transition-age and adult-specific services, and transportation and mobility.
Several organizations at the event, including the Lynn Family Resource Center, Best Buddies, the Federation for Children, and the MBTA, offer services and resources at no cost.
“We teach older adults and persons with disabilities how to safely use the MBTA,” said Linda Sheperd Salzer, travel trainer with the MBTA Mobility Center. “We do both group orientations, safety trip planning, asking for help, how to read maps and schedules, accessibility.”
Jacqueline Garcia of the Lynn Family Forward Resource Center said individuals seeking support only need to provide their name and describe their needs on an intake form. The center is located at 16 City Hall Square in Lynn.
“We are a nonprofit organization for the community,” Kiana Mendes said. “We provide basic necessities like clothes, food, hygiene, diapers, wipes.”
The Federation for Children offers a free parent-to-parent support service. Parents can request a match with another parent who has experience navigating the complexities of raising a child with a disability.
Best Buddies aims to reduce social isolation among people with disabilities. Joining a local chapter is free for anyone interested in participating.
Other booths featured paid services offering individualized support, including pediatric speech therapist Sierra Taylor and autism life coach Lelia Crespo.
Taylor’s practice, which opens October 14, specializes in early childhood services and is located in Marblehead. Crespo, based in North Andover, specializes in supporting young adults through life transitions and preparing for early careers.
Shrestha said she plans to host the disability fair annually and encouraged residents to spread the word about future events hosted by the Swampscott Commission on Disability to those who may benefit from them.
