In this session, Rachel Nelson will share two innovative library programs she designed to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and dementia. In Davie County, these two community groups were previously lacking in resources and a dedicated space where they felt they truly belonged. The Task Boxes initiative offers a collection of hands-on activities in the library to help adults with IDD develop essential life skills such as cutting, counting, color matching, and crafting. These boxes provide an engaging, interactive way for individuals to build confidence and independence while accessing resources within the library.
The second program, Memory Care Kits, caters to adults with varying levels of dementia, from mild memory loss to more severe conditions. These kits, available for checkout, provide sensory and cognitive activities designed to stimulate memory and improve quality of life. A separate kit is available for caregivers, offering valuable tools to assist in their care responsibilities.
Both programs reflect the library's role as a community anchor, fostering inclusivity and supporting individuals of all abilities. Through these efforts, libraries can strengthen their role as essential resources for individuals with diverse needs, creating spaces where everyone in the community can feel welcome, supported, and empowered.
About Rachel Nelson Rachel Nelson is the Adult Services and Technology Librarian at Davie County Public Library, where she has worked for the past three years. Originally from Northern California, Rachel earned her Bachelor’s degree in History from California State University, Sacramento. She moved to North Carolina nearly seven years ago to pursue graduate studies at North Carolina Central University, and quickly fell in love with the state.
Though Rachel initially specialized in archives and records management with aspirations of becoming a processing archivist, she found her true passion in library services. Today, as a librarian, she focuses on integrating technology and providing adult services, and finds great fulfillment in her work. In her free time, Rachel enjoys collecting antiques, including 1800s flow blue transferware, Victorian perfume bottles, and rocks. She also loves hiking and has recently developed a passion for reading. Rachel’s black fluffy cat, Bingley, keeps her company and is known for his talkative personality.
