Special needs fair takes place Sept. 24 Published Sept. 15, 2011 By Sarah Olaciregui 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The base will hold its second annual Special Needs Family Fun and Information Fair Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hanscom Lanes. The event is for families from all service branches with children with special needs or suspected special needs, whether or not currently enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). "If you've ever wondered if your child might benefit from speech, occupational, physical or behavioral therapy, is struggling in school or suspect may have a disability, we encourage you to stop by, join in the fun and learn what services are available for your family," said Dawn Andreucci, Airman and Family Readiness Center Community Readiness Consultant team leader. This year's fair, funded by the Air Force Services Agency (AFSVA), will feature free bowling, face painting, entertainment from Mike the Hat Man and a bouncy castle. Pizza and other refreshments will be available, and there will be a variety of giveaways. Representatives from base and community resources will be on hand to give out information and answer questions about their services. A quiet room will be available as needed. "Our hope is that families with special needs children will be able to connect with one another in this casual setting," said Ms. Andreucci. "It's a place where children can have fun and parents can learn about services available to them on base and throughout the community." The purpose of the fair is to increase awareness of community support programs, to connect families with each other and to locate, identify and refer as early as possible all young children with disabilities who are in need of early intervention or special education services in a fun and informational atmosphere, according to AFSVA guidelines. For more information on the fair, contact Ms. Andreucci at 781-377-4222, Lisa Pizarro at 781-225-1482 or Laurel Wironen at 781-377-6005. Base and community agencies invited to attend include: . Family Ties of Massachusetts . Easter Seals . The Federation for Children with Special Needs . Minuteman Early Intervention Program . Lincoln Public Schools . Military OneSource . Hanscom Child and Youth Programs . Hanscom School Liaison Officer . 66th Medical Squadron EFMP Coordinator . Airman & Family Readiness Center . Military Family Life Consultant