EDIS opens lending library

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- An American Red Cross volunteer in attendance at the grand opening of the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services lending library demonstrates how to operate a toy at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 10, 2011. Families with special needs children can check out developmental toys for up to 14 days. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)

EDIS opens lending library

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Terry Vedder and Lt. Col Carmen Goyette, Defense Logistics Agency commander, look at toys available at the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services lending library at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 10, 2011. The lending library offers developmental toys, children books and educational resources for parents of children with special needs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)

EDIS opens lending library

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Event attendees and American Red Cross members cut the ribbon at the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services lending library grand opening at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 10, 2011. The lending library provides parentsof special needs children with developmental toys, children books and educational resources. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)

First PACAF EDIS lending library opens at Yokota

Published June 13, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Nichols
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services opened the lending library located inside the 374th Medical Group Annex at building 1585, room LA22 at Yokota, June 10.

The lending library is a special library that is equipped with items such as, developmentally appropriate toys, children's books, educational resources and therapeutic games for children with special needs.

The library is available to children that are qualified to receive services from the EDIS program and is open every Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

"Any child receiving occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, early childhood special education, clinical social work or psychology services on their Individualized Family Service Plan or their Individualized Education Program are eligible to use the library," said Jennifer Hoggatt, EDIS certified occupational therapy assistant.

The purpose of the lending library is to loan items to the families that receive our services and allow them the opportunity to use these special items in their child's most natural environment while addressing their developmental concerns."

The lending library is the first of its kind at Yokota, and according to EDIS staff, is the first and only kind in Pacific Air Forces.

The library was developed through the Military Hospital Outreach Program with the help of Yokota's Red Cross and in collaboration with the Yokota Officers Spouses Club representatives of the Yokota Interagency Coordinating Council.

The EDIS program is available at military installations throughout mainland Japan.

To find out more information on enrolling in EDIS, parents can make a self referral by contacting their local agencies to schedule a screening for their child or they can request a referral from their child's pediatrician or primary care manager.

For more information on the lending library or any other EDIS programs, call 225-9993.