SPECIAL NEEDS DEPARTMENT
Programs & Events | First Foot Forward |ReelAbilities Film Festival
The Jewish Community Center of Staten Island is devoted to providing appropriate social, cultural, recreational, educational opportunities through ongoing programs, classes and special events for children, teens and adults with various disabilities. We are currently developing new programs for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Current programs for children include Camp Weissglass, our camp for children with developmental delays, and Camp Independence, a camp for children with diabetes. In addition, First Foot Forward, our special education preschool, provides services for children with speech and language, motor and cognitive delays.
The Learning Institute provides tutoring services for school age children. The Chaverim group incorporates Jewish experiences through hands on activities. The Beacon Tottenville program promotes independence through weekly educational trips.
The Specialized Senior Adult program incorporates social and recreational activities for adults with developmental disorders. Adult services include Caregiver Support programs which provide respite and support services.
Programs & Events
- Committees/Volunteer
- On Your Mark
- CAMPS
- Kids Club
- Teens
- Programs & Events
COMMITTEE AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
- Disability Advisory Committee
Professionals in the field work together to create collaborative programming with other community agencies, seek funding opportunities and support the Special Needs Department.
Please call Sheila Lipton 718.475.5273 for information.
- Special Needs Advocacy Committee
Family members work together in fundraising efforts and special events for individuals with disabilities. Please call Sheila Lipton 718.475.5273 for information.
- JCC Day Habilitation Program
This program offers individuals volunteer opportunities
within the JCC community. In addition,
the participants enjoy recreational activities as an
integral part of the community. This program is available
for individuals who qualify for HCBS Medicaid Waiver.
Limited participation.
Contact Sheby Abraham 718.475.5288 or
sabraham@sijcc.com.
ON YOUR MARK
Gene Spatz, Executive Director
718.720.9233
This unique program offers programs and services for ages pre-school through adulthood for those with mental retardation, learning disabilities, neurological impairments autism, cerebral palsy and physical disabilities.
On Your Mark's services include instructional, recreational, vocational, respite, holiday trips, Special Olympics and participation in community living.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS
- Camp Independence
This specialized camp is for children 6 through 11 years old who have diabetes. It was created in 1998 by the JCC of Staten Island in cooperation with the American Diabetes Association and the support of Staten Island University Hospital and Richmond University Medical Center. Camp Independence offers a camping experience while providing the necessary medical support at the camp and on trips. Contact
Glenn Wechsler 718.475.5231 or
gwechsler@sijcc.com.
Visit camp.sijcc.org for more information
- Marvin's Camp (formerly The Marvin Weissglass Camp for Special Children)
Marvin's Camp provides an educational, creative, socially and emotionally safe environment for children and teens with special needs. The children participate in a traditional camp setting with additional support staff. Located at Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, the environment fosters success, confidence, and self-worth through recreation and socialization activities. The camp features daily swims, music and art programs, sports and nature areas. Funding is available through Medicaid Waiver Respite and scholarship programs. Please watch for our upcoming open houses. Contact Brian Faughnan 718.475.5291 for information.
Visit camp.sijcc.org for more information
DR. & MRS. DANIEL MEGNA KIDS CLUB FOR SPECIAL KIDS
This after school program for children with autism or other related disorders offers homework help, social and recreational activities for children in grades K-5. The children are involved in a variety of activities including music, swim, movement, arts and crafts, cooking and independent life skills. Through these activities the children gain socialization and communication skills. Our professional staff is committed to ensuring that the children have a safe, fun and rewarding experience.
Kids Club is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC. Parents must arrange transportation to the JCC through the Pupil Transportation office.
Kids Club also has a monthly Parent Group which offers support and an opportunity to meet and share experiences with other parents while gaining educational insight to assist with their unique family needs.
TEEN PROGRAMS
- Buddies Teen & Social Group
This program meets from 6-7pm in the Youth Lounge. Activities will allow teens with developmental delays to interact with their typical peers. Cooking, arts & crafts and games will give them an opportunity to increase self esteem and develop social skills. Meets Thursdays in the Youth Lounge. Ongoing.
Buddies Teen Social Group
March 14, 21
April 4, 18
May 9, 23
June 6, 13
Fee: $5 per session
12SN102
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
- Autistic Sports & Recreation Programming
See Sports & Recreation Department
- Music for Autism
Stolzenberg Social Hall, Bernikow JCC These "Autism friendly", interactive concerts provide an accepting environment where families of individuals with autism can enjoy a live concert despite any behaviors and responses that may be categorized as disruptive and misunderstood. The structure of each concert includes "listening time, conducting time and percussion time". These concerts are funded through a grant from UJA Federation and the North Shore Rotary Club.
April 29, 1pm
- Youth Holiday Vacation Program
This program offers opportunities for youth with developmental disabilities to socialize and participate in exciting day trips to a variety of locations including museums, the theater, aquariums and learning centers. All trip destinations will be thoroughly researched to ensure a safe and accessible environment for all participants. All trips leave from the Bernikow JCC and will be supervised by JCC staff. Limited funding is available for participants who are enrolled in Medicaid Waiver Respite. Entrance fees are not included. Please call Sheila Lipton 718.475.5273 for information and program dates.
- Super Special Sundays
Super Special Sundays is offered twice monthly for children ages 6-21. Each session will include a movement/dance activity, music or art, snack, drama and social skills. Participants are grouped by age. Movement activities will include dance and yoga. Yoga has been proven to improve children's gross motor and fine motor skills, attention span, coordination, balance, and sensory regulation behaviors. Dance will provide opportunities for participants to improve sequencing and coordination abilities. Drama and role play are wonderful opportunities to increase social
and communication skills while building self-confidence. Music speaks to each child individually and allows for self expression.
Each Super Special Sunday will include a healthy snack made by the participants. Staff to child ratio is 3:1. This program is partially funded through the Butler Foundation., Time: 1:30-4pm
Program dates:
April 1, 15
May 6, 20
June 3, 24
Fee: $240 12SN101
First Foot Forward
FIRST FOOT FORWARD OFFICE IS DEDICATED BY CON EDISON
Celebrating Our 22nd Year of Serving Preschool Children with Special Needs Are you concerned about your child's speech development, play skills, attention span, sensory issues and/or general development? If yes, then call the professionals at First Foot Forward!
First Foot Forward is a special education preschool dedicated to assisting children 2.6 to 5 years of age with developmental needs. Our individualized curriculum allows children to reach their full potential in a warm, nurturing environment.
- First Foot Forward specializes in helping children with:
- What does First Foot Forward offer?
- Additional Services:
- Related Services Only*
- What else should I know?
Speech/Language Delays
• Socialization Concerns
• Developmental Delays
• Poor Motor Skills
• Sensory Needs
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder
To receive services, children need to be evaluated by an approved evaluation site. Our team of certified professionals can evaluate your child at no cost to you.
Classroom Settings*
Individualized Instruction in:
- Small Centerbased or Integrated Settings
- Half or Full Day
- 10 or 12 Month
• Evaluations*
• Therapy*
- speech
- occupational
- physical
- counseling
Weekly Movement, Music & Swim Experiences
• Parent Support Groups
• Mainstreaming Opportunities
• Door to Door Transportation
- Therapy is provided around your child's
preschool or home schedule.
Program eligibility is recommended by the
Department of Education's Committee on Preschool Special Education based upon the individual needs of your child.
• We have an open door policy and you are welcome at any time.
• We welcome children of all faiths and nationalities.
• All services (evaluations, transportation tuition) are at no direct cost to parents.*
Classes and related services are available at two JCC locations:
Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Road
Avis/South Shore JCC, 1297 Arthur Kill Rd.
*Funding is provided through city and state funds.
For more information or to arrange for a tour, please contact Beth Howard, First Foot Forward Director, at 718.475.5225.
4th Annual reelabilities film festival
The NY Disabilities Film Festival
is dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation
of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities. The festival will present award winning films in various locations throughout the NY metropolitan area in addition to the Bernikow JCC. Discussions and other engaging programs will bring together the community to explore, discuss and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience.
February 11-14, 2012 Look for more information with film listings and special events.
