A local education service agency is challenging the community to change its perception of disorders and other disabilities by attending this year’s disABILITY Awareness Fair.

The free event is open to the public and will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Brandywine Elementary School, 2428 S. 13^th St., Niles.

“Not only will parents learn about disabilities, they will also learn about what is out there and available to help their child,” said Shari Lidgard-Pullins of the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (RESA).

Participants will be able to visit numerous booths designed to provide information on available therapeutic, educational, advocacy, recreational and community services in the area.

Rosanne Burden, an assistive technology specialist for Berrien RESA, will present an hour-long session called “All Things iPad” from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burden will talk about what the iPad can offer to special needs students and provide demonstrations.

“Anybody in the community that wants to develop a better understanding of students with disabilities and to learn about them should come,” Lidgard-Pullins said. “If I want to know what type of resources are available for my child then I would want to come to this fair.”

The fair is a cooperative effort between the Berrien RESA Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, Berrien RESA, local educational agencies and community service providers.

The disABILITY fair was last held two years ago.