TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WHNT) – Families in the Shoals with special needs children spent Wednesday getting ready for the new school year.

Children’s Rehabilitation Services wanted to bring the special needs community together before school starts so they held a carnival on a beautiful summer afternoon.

“It’s just a break from doctor’s appointments and everything else that’s going on,” explained Kimberly Wright with CRS. “Just to come out, meet other families and to also learn about our services and other services in the community.”

CRS aimed to get special needs students ready for school by washing wheelchairs and making mild adjustments. Special needs parents saw it as an opportunity to bond.

“It’s just a fun day, a fun day of activities for the kids,” said Sharon Curry. “CRS is giving back to the community.”

CRS works closely with local school systems to help students with special needs participate fully. Wednesday’s carnival was a good icebreaker.

“It’s a good day for the kids to get to know each other and it’s a good way for the parents to make connections with other parents as well,” said Wright.

“It’s good for networking, sharing experiences that we have as being parents with children with disabilities,” added Curry.

Wright said they hope to make this an annual carnival, they’ve help wheelchair washes in the past.

For more information on the services that Children’s Rehabilitation Services offers, click here.