Celebrate Disability Pride Month with Beyond Words at HCLS

sahanacallahan
Several people sit around an arts and crafts station working on projects.
Participants and caregivers step into the fun and active world of Beyond Words, a vibrant and inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. at the East Columbia Branch of Howard County Library System.

by Sahana C.

Libraries aspire to be welcoming, inclusive spaces for everyone. During Disability Pride Month this July, we want to highlight Beyond Words, one of our sensory-friendly classes designed with and for neurodivergent individuals — and anyone who benefits from a more adaptable, engaging learning environment!

Disability Pride Month reminds us to honor the uniqueness of every individual and to recognize disability as an essential part of human diversity. We know that learning looks different for everyone, and that’s something worth celebrating. Beyond Words is a do-it-yourself sort of class, with an emphasis on creativity, movement, and hands-on activities built around themed, sensory-rich stations. From arts and crafts to motor skills and movement play, the program encourages joy, exploration, and connection in ways that feel comfortable and are accessible. Beyond Words started at Miller Branch, but the class has now spread to the East Columbia, Central, and Savage Branches, with an option for every age group.

A rainbow circle broken by clouds, has Beyond Words written above it in purple and a set of icons below the clouds: music notes, a sunflower, a stack of books, a paint palette, and a baseball.

This year, we’re really excited about the Beyond Words Summer Reading game, too! While Summer Reading began on June 1, it’s not too late to pick up a specially designed gameboard at any HCLS branch or the mobile library. Like our traditional summer reading program, this version encourages participants to read, explore, and complete activities — but it’s been thoughtfully adapted to meet different needs and learning styles. The goal? To make summer reading more inclusive, flexible, and most of all, fun for everyone. The Beyond Words gameboard includes a variety of ways to participate and celebrate progress. There’s no one right way to take part—just lots of opportunities to discover new interests, build confidence, and enjoy the magic of stories and imagination.

Teen Beyond Words
Wed, Jul 23 | 6 – 7:30 pm  
HCLS East Columbia Branch
For 11-17. Register at bit.ly/TBW_723
For teens with learning/developmental disabilities. Come and participate at five different activity stations. This month’s theme: SUMMER.

Sahana is an Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Savage Branch. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.

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