Port Washington Autism Parent & Advocate Teams with Interchange Business Organization for First LI 'Interactive Special Needs Resource Fair'

Port Washington, NY; December 12, 2013 – Autism mom and advocate Lauretta Murdock of Port Washington, who is founder and executive director of The Mosaic School for Autism in Wantagh, has teamed with Long Island’s Interchange Business Organization (IBO) to bring the first ever IBO/Mosaic Interactive Special Needs Resource Fair to Long Island on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will be held at The Mosaic School for Autism, located at 1309 Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh, NY. Designed to alleviate the typically drawn out “trial and error” process that so many families who have children with autism and other developmental and/or learning disabilities often endure, this FREE comprehensive resource fair will feature over 50 special needs industry professionals and educators specializing in more than 45 areas that include: cognitive development, special education, guardianship law and social security benefits. Also readily available to provide  free counsel and answer questions during the Fair will be speech, music and art therapists, sports,/activity coordinators, parent coaches, financial consultants, child and adult advocates, and social program providers.  

In addition to bringing special needs industry experts under one roof, the Interactive Special Needs Resource Fair also provides families with a more genuine perspective on the various special needs programs available and how they might be of benefit to their children. Attendees are encouraged to bring their children to the Fair so they can participate in a series of interactive breakout sessions that will allow opportunity to personally experience each program to help families uncover those most suited for serving their child’s unique needs. The day will also offer children in attendance fun and engaging activities, including children zumba, yoga, arts and crafts, as well as games and prizes.

Murdock, who has two children with autism, says, “When raising children with special needs, time is always of the essence and can often mean the difference in helping children meet their potential. Realizing trial and error is not a luxury we can afford,  our Fair is not only designed to be informative but also as interactive as possible, allowing  families an authentic feel for the program options that are out there and a birds-eye view into which ones might be best for their child.”

 “A common complaint often heard from special needs parents is that finding qualified experts can be difficult and time-consuming,” explains IBO President Tom Gibson, who has a 14-year-old son who is deaf. “Our mission in hosting the Interactive Special Needs Resource Fair is to bring to the many families who have children with special needs a comprehensive, effective network of local, qualified professionals who are readily available to help them address and see through any issues, concerns or situations they might be facing.”

The Interchange Business Organization (IBO) is a business development networking organization that helps local business professionals build strong relationships while helping members experience new ways to improve and enhance business practices through common interests and synergies. IBO members meet weekly to build on current and develop new trustworthy relationships, allowing opportunities to exchange reliable leads and referrals that can help them advance business. The Interactive Special Needs Resource Fair is a result of IBO’s Special Ops’ division.  More information about IBO and this event is available at www.meetibo.com/special.

The Mosaic Foundation for Autism Inc., which is affiliated with The Mosaic School for Autism, actively seeks to generate awareness of autism and its challenges as it raises funds to increase opportunities for people with autism so they can participate in appropriate educational, social and recreational activities. For more information about The Mosaic Foundation for Autism Inc., please call 516-765-3696 or visit www.themosaicschool.org.