Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students with disabilities and their families can find information and support at the Exceptional Children Resource Fair on Saturday, March 21. The fair is free and will be held at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, 1430 Alleghany St. in Charlotte, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“The EC department is so excited to host this event,” said Heather Lemmons, executive director for the district’s Program for Exceptional Children. “To have the opportunity to unite our families with resources and friends in our community brings such enjoyment and excitement.

“The fair meets the needs of students and families from preschool all the way to students who are 22 years of age through collaboration, allowing information and access to ways to enhance their transitional needs, as well as post-secondary outcomes,” Lemmons said. “It is our pleasure to be part of this experience, connecting our community and families.”

The EC Resource Fair is designed to support individuals with disabilities in many areas, including advocacy, post-secondary transition, community and daily living, social/recreation and summer programs.

“This is our first time being at a different location, Phillip O. Berry, which is more centralized to help the turnout for families and agencies,” said Patricia Bryant, Exceptional Children coordinating teacher. “It’s also the second year to be held on a Saturday instead of a Thursday evening, which was a difficult time for parents to get there with traffic and also student activities going on.”

Families – especially those new to CMS – will find an accessible, one-stop shop where they can speak with members of the CMS EC staff and representatives from various Mecklenburg County agencies. They include Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation Mount Holly, the Autism Society of N.C., Central Piedmont Community College, Disability Rights and Resources, Metrolina Association for the Blind, Pathways N.C. Inc., Piedmont Music Therapy, post-graduation support and pre-employment transition support. CMS Human Resources will also be there for those beginning inquiries or seeking EC positions, and refreshments will be provided, and Spanish interpreters will be available.

“And for the first time, we’ll have parent sessions to help families learn and find out where to start,” Bryant said. “I believe we purposely and intentionally work to connect our parents with agencies to meet their students’ unique needs. At the fair, they can meet and have in-person time with staff on the front end and get that seamless, personal experience.”