First PACAF library for special-needs children opens at Yokota

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Nichols
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Members of the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services opened a new type of lending library at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 10.

The lending library is a special library that is equipped with items such as developmentally appropriate toys, children's books, educational resources and therapeutic games for children with special needs.

The library is available to children that are qualified to receive services from the EDIS program and is open every Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

"Any child receiving occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, early childhood special education, clinical social work or psychology services on their Individualized Family Service Plan or their Individualized Education Program are eligible to use the library," said Jennifer Hoggatt, EDIS certified occupational therapy assistant.

"The purpose of the lending library is to loan items to the families that receive our services and allow them the opportunity to use these special items in their child's most natural environment while addressing their developmental concerns," she continued.

The lending library is the first of its kind at Yokota, and according to EDIS staff, is the first and only one of its kind at a Pacific Air Forces base.

The library was developed through the Military Hospital Outreach Program with the help of Yokota's Red Cross and in collaboration with the Yokota Officers Spouses Club representatives of the Yokota Interagency Coordinating Council.

The EDIS program is available at military installations throughout mainland Japan.

To find out more information on enrolling in EDIS, parents can make a self referral by contacting their local agencies to schedule a screening for their child or they can request a referral from their child's pediatrician or primary care manager.