Library, A&FRC add ‘exceptional’ resources to collection

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  New resources to assist those associated with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) are now available at the base library and Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Resources include books and videos targeted to special needs children, their family members and professionals on disability-related topics. Additionally, seven professional journals are available.

The library and A&FRC recently received the materials from the Office of Community Support for Military Families with Special Needs, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Military Community Family Policy. The resources were reviewed and selected by the OSD office, EFMP specialists from all services and the Penn State University Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness. Librarians also assisted with compiling the family and children's list.

"We want to offer our EFMP families and professionals as much support and as many resources as possible," said Dawn Andreucci, EFMP Family Support contact at the A&FRC. "We're so pleased to have these new books, videos and journals available and easily accessible."

Hanscom's library has set up a special section and added directional signs upon entrance from the front door to make this collection easy to find. Patrons may also inquire about the EFMP resources by asking the front desk personnel.

"The great thing is, EFMP families can come to the library, sit down and read together or check these books out for enjoyment at home," said Eve Peabody, senior library technician.

The collection includes materials for children at all age levels, from picture books like "In Jesse's Shoes: Appreciating Kids with Special Needs" by Beverly Lewis to "Jerk California" by Jonathan Friesen for high school-aged students.

Resources for parents or professional include "Empowered Autism Parenting" by William Sillman and "101 Games and Activities for Children with Austim, Asperger's and Sensory Processing Disorders" by Tara Delaney to "The Facts of Life - and More" by Leslie Walker-Hirsch.

Seven professional journals are available at the A&FRC and some are available in both print and online.

The Exceptional Family Member Program is a program for active duty service members who have family members with special needs. EFMP exists in all branches of the service. In the Air Force, EFMP services include a variety of personnel, medical and family support functions. The EFMP serves two broad functions, including personnel enrollment and assignment and family support.

Participation in the EFMP provides support to families by considering the needs of the exceptional family member for PCS assignments, helping to coordinate transfer of records, helping to coordinate local services, helping with systems navigation and providing referrals to local, state and national resources.

Those interested in learning more about EFMP may stop by the A&FRC Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or call 781-225-2765. To browse the new collection, visit the library Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call 781-377-2177.