The Help Group will be hosting its sixth annual Special Needs Resource Fair on Sunday, May 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the organization’s Sherman Oaks campus. The free event – which attracts more than 400 people each year – is an opportunity for parents and professionals to connect with the many companies and resources Los Angeles offers the special needs community. This includes those with autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse, and emotional problems.

A diverse mix of exhibitors from various industries will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about services geared toward children, young people, and adults, as well as their parents and families. There will be representatives from support groups, medical and therapeutic services, educational supports, financial and estate planning, legal and advocacy services, respite services, recreational and camping programs, vocational and residential programs, and more.

The event will feature opportunities for children and families to interact with therapy dogs from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs; take part in a Wahlbangers Drum Circle; visit with a miniature horse from Special Spirit, Inc. Therapeutic Riding Center, and play with friends on the open playground. There will also be food and snacks available for purchase.

“The Help Group Special Needs Resource Fair is a signature event for the organization and a great way for us to provide valuable information to families who need it most,” said Nicole Webb, Program Director of Kids Like Me, a key Help Group program offering after-school, weekend, day camp, and social programming to youth with special needs. “It is an opportunity for families to find quality resources, gain insight on important issues, and connect with other families in the community.”

Proceeds from event booth sales help generate scholarship funds for Kids Like Me camps, which are offered during the summer, winter, and spring at The Help Group’s Sherman Oaks and Culver City campuses. Camp programs are developed by a multidisciplinary team to address unique strengths and abilities, foster social skills, and cultivate friendships. They are led by highly-trained therapists and counselors from The Help Group and campers are assessed and matched with the right program to ensure the best possible camp experience for everyone.

The Special Needs Resource Fair will take place at 13164 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Tracy Peters at 310.751.1468 or via email at tpeters@thehelpgroup.org.