Join us at The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, entrance on 42^nd street, just West of 5^th Avenue, in the Bartos Forum. This year’s added theme is ”Know Your Rights! Know Your Opportunities!” The Fair will include: tablers from educational, employment, advocacy, arts, recreation, technology, and support organizations; fun accessible activities; financial counseling, resources for English Language Learning and Citizenship, Employment advice, featured speakers on Human Rights 101, Healthy Homes, Immigrant Resource Forums, Financial Counseling appointments, and more.

Participating organizations inlcude:

(an asterisk * denotes a new tabler)

*City Access NY;  *TDF Ticket Access Program; *Disability Rights NY; *DCA Empowered NYC;  *NYC Parks accessible recreation; *Cooper Hewitt; *Helen Keller Services for the Blind;  * OEpatients.org;  *New York Deafblind Collaborative; Center for the Independence of the Disabled; Origami Therapy Association; Lewis Latimer House Museum;  WobbleWorks LLC; *JBI International; VISIONS; Brooklyn Public Library Inclusive Services; New York Public Library Public Programs; The Dimensions Project; Blind Arduino; InTandem Cycling; Independence Science; Bookshare; Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; The Whitney Museum; The Metropolitan Museum of Art; The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities; NYC Emergency Management; C TECH; Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum;  Xavier Society for the Blind; Lighthouse Guild; Tenement Museum;  The Museum of Modern Art;  AT Guys; Pedestrians for Accessible Safe Streets; Guide Dog Users of New York;

Featured Speakers and Tours schedule:

Speaker Programs & Tours, Fall Fair 2019

Speaker programs take place in Berger Forum, on the 2nd floor.

Verbal Description Touch Tours of the historic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building will meet outside the Fair room at 12:00  Noon and at 3:00 PM.

11:30 AM      David Steele, “The Blind Poet”

An award-winning poet, author, public speaker, singer, and advocate for the blind, Dave has been featured in a short film by Cambridge University called Blindsighted, and on a special called the Blind Poet for RNIB radio, BBC TV, ITV and That’s Manchester TV news. In 2018 Dave was honored by Henshaws with the “Impact Award” and was the recipient of the Pride of Bury “Community Hero Award.” With over 700 poems and songs dealing with the fears and struggles associated with sight loss, Steele’s work is helping to diminish many of the misconceptions associated with blindness.

12:00 PM      Touch & Verbal Description Tour

Join NYPL docents on a verbally descriptive and tactile tour designed for visually impaired patrons. Our docents will guide you through the building and discuss the history of the library and its architecture, encouraging you to touch unusual decorative elements of this Beaux-Arts treasure while learning about our many special collections.

1:00 PM       Healthy Homes

Learn how to maintain a healthier home by preventing or eliminating common hazardous conditions including lead poisoning, mold, pests and rodents. Gain awareness of hidden dangers of household products and potential chemical poisoning, the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and how to handle asthma and allergens. This workshop is a joint effort by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Bellevue Hospital Center.

2:00 PM       Human Rights Law 101

This workshop introduces basic concepts, protections and obligations under the New York City Human Rights Law. Topics include prohibited discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, as well as bias-based harassment and biased-based profiling by law enforcement. Protected classes are described in detail. Recent additions in employment are discussed. New protections and accommodations for victims of domestic violence, sex offenses and stalking are introduced. Mandated requirements to provide reasonable accommodations by employers and providers for people with disabilities, pregnant women, victims of domestic violence and persons following religious observances are covered. Understanding and respect is emphasized. Presented by NYC Commission on Human Rights

3:00 PM      Immigrant Rights Forum

Get an overview of the rights of immigrant New Yorkers and information about each of the services offered by the city, including: IDNYC – City’s municipal ID card; ActionNYC – An immigration legal screening service; NYCitizenship – Citizenship application guidance and assistance; We Speak NYC – English facilitation classes; NYC Care – Brand new health coverage service for folks who cannot get insured through typical means

Get information about public charge and ICE.  Q&A. Presented by Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

3:00 PM     Touch & Verbal Description Tour

Join NYPL docents on a verbally descriptive and tactile tour designed for visually impaired patrons. Our docents will guide you through the building and discuss the history of the library and its architecture, encouraging you to touch unusual decorative elements of this Beaux-Arts treasure while learning about our many special collections.

4:00 PM      How to Talk to Your Doctor

One of the keys to getting good health care is communication. Learn proven ways to talk to your doctor and healthcare professionals and how to advocate for yourself and the people for whom you are caring. Presented by CareNYC.

5:00 PM      The Benefits of Meditation

Meditation can bring about a sense of calm and balance that benefits both your emotional and physical well-being, which in turn will impact your overall health and reduce stress. It is easy to learn and can have many lasting and beneficial effects.   After you meditate the benefits don’t end when your session ends. Join Rosanna Jimenez, CHHC who is a long time meditator for this lively and engaging workshop.

Free! No registration needed.