At the JCC, we specialize in helping those with disabilities. We provide developmental, social, and recreational opportunities for a wide spectrum of individuals, beginning at age three and ranging through adulthood. Our staff’s mission is to provide opportunities for par­ticipants to improve social skills, which enhance their overall wellbeing. Staff are professionals working to provide stimulating experiences for our participants. We also provide inclusion programs to allow people with disabilities to participate in many of our programs outside of the department.

Video by UJA Federation of New York

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​For more information on any of our programs, contact Tim Esposito, Director of the Department tesposito@sijcc.com or 718.475.5267  

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.  

Super Special Sundays

​October-June
Dates TBA

• Sunday Funday ages 6-12
• Social Sunday ages 13-21

Children with disabilities come to the JCC for three hours of fun be­fore the stress of the school week starts again. Each hour is de­voted to a specific activity: table talk, social skills, dance and creative play, and take home arts and crafts. Support is pro­vided by a licensed special education teacher, professional staff, and college and high school students. This program is offered two Sundays per month.

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

Special Events include concerts for people with disabilities, our annual resource fair that we cohost with Senator Andrew Lanza, and much more.

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.