The event is in keeping with the group's stated focus of "advocacy, education and support" for special needs children.

More than 35 exhibitors will be present that evening, offering information on therapeutic, educational, recreational, medical and technological opportunities for children with special needs.

Local speech, occupational and physical therapists will be on hand, as well as area resources for psychology, neurology, sensorimotor tutoring, assistive technology, social skills groups, child studies, naturopathic medicine, vitamins, gluten- and casein-free foods and medical equipment.

Those attending will have access to information about summer camps, yoga classes, sports and gyms appropriate for special needs children, as well as relevant toys, books and more.

Experts will be on hand to advise families about estate planning and available grants.

SEPTA members are hosting the Therapy and Recreation Fair in hopes that all area families with special needs children will attend.

Parents seeking qualified therapists, educators and appropriate recreational activities will find what they're looking for among the many professionals expected to take part, they said.

"We've gathered together our community's greatest resources for children with special needs and placed them under one roof," said SEPTA president Jacqueline McMahon.

"The Heritage Hotel has graciously donated the use of their Garden Conference Room," she added. "They'll also have a table promoting their pool and fitness facilities, in addition to donating a family day swim pass as a door prize."

Admission to the June 5 Therapy and Recreation Fair is free of charge.

A cash bar and light food will be available, as well as complimentary chair massages. All proceeds from the event will go directly to support the Region 15 SEPTA.

Participating vendors and local businesses have donated a number of door prizes, including gift certificates to area restaurants, gift baskets, family swim passes, signed books, autographed baseballs, manicures, coupons toward services, jewelry and more.

Organized in September, 2008, the Region 15 SEPTA meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month during the school year on topics designed to support, strengthen and promote the welfare of special needs children. New members are always welcome.

The group now serves some 80 families in Southbury and Middlebury, with a goal of ensuring the best possible educational, social and recreational opportunities for children with special needs and disabilities.

Members enjoy the opportunity to connect with each other on shared issues and experiences in order to support, strengthen and improve their children's overall learning experience.

The Region 15 SEPTA will host its own table at the Therapy and Recreation Fair. Those attending are invited to stop by and see "The Face of Region 15 SEPTA," featuring framed photographs of area children benefiting from this event.

Visitors may speak with the group's officers, sign up for new offerings and fill out a membership application.

Organizers are accepting donations of door prizes for the June 5 event. All donors' names will be posted that evening as sponsors.

Those seeking additional information about the Therapy and Recreation Fair or the Region 15 SEPTA may e-mail Jen Weitz, jenweitz@sbcglobal.net, or Jacqueline McMahon, jacquelinemc@charter.net.