Department for People with Disabilities

Participant engagement extends beyond the JCC, as participants visit art centers, museums, and cultural sites, allowing them to broaden their experiences and knowledge. They also participate in volunteer activities that support local organizations, contributing to community well-being while enhancing their sense of purpose and connection. In addition, participants continuously expanded their palates by exploring the many food options on Staten Island.

Day Hab

At the JCC, Our Day Habilitation Without Walls Program for Young Adults offers a diverse range of activities. These include social, recreational, and vocational activities at the JCC and in collaboration with our partner organizations. At the JCC, participants can engage in a wide array of activities such as fitness, aquatics, sports, yoga, Zumba, life skills training, and various safety and wellness lessons. We also offer multiple volunteer options, including support for our digital food pantry and early childhood collaborations.

We are dedicated to fostering community inclusion through our program. We offer participants opportunities to lead healthy, social, and active lives while encouraging independence. Our primary goal is to prepare participants for successful transitions to independent living, empowering them to become engaged members of society.

After School Program

The After School Program at the JCC is for Students with Special Needs and/or an IEP ages 5 to 21. The program is held Monday to Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm from September to June. This program prepares individuals to lead a more independent life by focusing on functional skill building in a supportive and inclusive environment while incorporating technology that facilitates daily living. Activities will include Homework support, Computer literacy, Skill-building activities of daily living to build independence, team building activities, sports, swimming, and enhancing social skills. Participants can sign up for 1 to 5 days a week, depending on availability.

Contact

Drita Popovic, Sr. Director for Department of People with Disabilities [email protected]
David Harris, Day Habilitation Director [email protected]

Dr. and Mrs. Megna Kids Club for Special Kids

Ages 6-12 • September-June
Our after school program for children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) presents an opportunity for children to socialize and engage with peers in an inclusive environment. Licensed teachers facilitate activities, including yoga, swimming, basketball, and music.

Teens After School Program

Ages 13-21 • September-June
Our after school program for teens with disabilities presents an opportunity for participants to be healthy, social, and active members of the community with a maximum degree of independence. Our goal is to establish the groundwork for optimal success in achieving their highest potential as they transition into adulthood. Licensed teachers facilitate activities including social skills exploration, fitness and athletics, recreational group classes, and parent communication.

Day Habilitation

Year-round
Our Day Habilitation Without Walls Program for Young Adults offers social, recreational, and vocational activities at the JCC as well as in collaboration with our partner organizations. Young adults take part in activities such as delivering meals to the homebound, stocking our food pantry, and gardening. We also take trips to various museums and other cultural organizations.
Our program maintains a strong emphasis on community inclusion. We engage our participants in opportunities to be healthy, social, and active members of the community with a maximum degree of independence. Our ultimate goal for our participants is to establish the groundwork for optimal success in achieving their highest potential as they transition into adulthood.

For more information contact,
Drita Popovic, Sr. Director of Department for People with Disabilities
[email protected]

MARVIN’S CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

July/August
Marvin’s Camp is a unique recreational summer program customized for children with disabilities. With a wide array of both social and developmental activities, children are engaged by professionally-supported trained staff to create some of the best memories of their summer. After seven weeks of dance classes, swimming, social skills, and field trips, the children show off their skills in a dance performance for their families and relive the summer through a picture slide show.
For more information, visit http://camp.sijcc.org/marvins-camp

SCHOOL’S OUT PROGRAM

In collaboration with our Youth Department, children and young adults with disabilities are given opportunities to engage with their peers in an inclusive environment on holidays when school is closed. They provide students with opportunities to see their classmates and meet new friends in activities at the JCC and outings in the community.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Department for People with Disability hosts a variety of special events throughout the year celebrating holidays and bringing awareness to causes our staff and participants hold near and dear.

Mission with a Purpose
A combination of Do Good activities engaging in community together by giving back and brining awareness to a variety of causes throughout the year. The events include but are not limited to: Breast Cancer Awareness, Autism Awareness Acceptance, Spring Cleaning, Cards for the Holidays, Holiday Toy Drive, Holiday Deliveries to the Elderly and homebound, Veterans Day, Suicide Prevention, Down Syndrome Day, Purim Carnival and Deliveries, and Holocaust Survivors Deliveries for Hanukkah

Inclusive Fashion Show
Fashion functions as both walking art exhibition and a blueprint for fast fashion stories that highlight the beauty of design. Everyone deserves an opportunity to feel beautiful, chic, and elegant. Inclusive Fashion Show allows for people from all walks of life to take part in a beautiful fashion show/fundraiser in support of Sunrise Day Camp. This yearly event helps our models experience many emotions, from confidence and joy to excitement and strength.

Thanksgiving Brunch
Thanksgiving’s importance the ultimate form of expressing gratitude for blessings, fostering community connections and reflecting on life’s good and important things such as family and friends. During our Thanksgiving Brunch multiple departments come together to celebrate the positivity, strength and humility.

Holiday Art Show
For individuals with disabilities, creating art can offer a profound sense of agency. When someone is dealing with a recent diagnosis, restoring their sense of self, or simply exploring their creativity, art provides a nonjudgmental space for discovery and empowerment. The people who take part are the artists who get to display they’re for the community at large to view and appreciate. Those who want to can also purchase a piece of art made by our talented participants, all while we celebrate the various holidays that remind us to respect each other’s cultural and religious differences.

Abilities Wellness Shop
Our abilities wellness shop offers products and services that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being, helping people make healthier choices and foster a sense of self-care. Every month our participants engage in crafting handmade organic products using crops from our JCC Avis garden and hydroponic garden all while learning business and vocational skills used in developing strong independence.

DISABILITIES ADVOCATE COMMITTEE

Our Disabilities Advocate Committee is comprised of professionals and family members of individuals with disabilities. The committee helps the JCC develop policies, create programs, and do outreach to the community.

GIRL SCOUTS

Our Girl Scout Access Troop is for girls and young adults with disabilities and their friends. If troop members attend a District 75 school, registration is free. Members must still pay dues and trip fees. Please contact Lisa Rosenfeld at [email protected] for more information.
Support our troop by purchasing cookies here!

First foot forward

First Foot Forward
Preschool for Children with Developmental Needs
First Foot Forward assists children 2.5 to 5 years old with developmental needs, helping them reach their full potential in a warm, nurturing environment.
Learn more here