Department for People with Disabilities

Programs

First Foot Forward
Afterschool
Marvin's Camp
Day Hab
Older Adult Day Hab
Additional Programming

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

Afterschool Respite programs at the JCC are for Students with Special Needs and/or an IEP ages 5 to 21. The programs provide academic support, enrichment, and childcare for students after the regular school day ends. Activities may change based on interest and school/community needs: however, all our afterschool programs maintain a mix of homework help, computer literacy, skill building activities of daily living to build independence, team building activities. sports, swimming, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education in a safe environment, visual arts, performing arts, health and nutrition, leadership, and community service. Participants can sign up for 1 to 5 days a week, depending on availability.

Developing Social Skills and Building Community
Our afterschool programs cater to children ages 5 to 21. Our staff assist our students learn to interact with like-minded individuals and develop healthy, communication and social skills. When people come together for a common reason or activity, it builds a sense of community that can also develop into life-long friendships. The programs are designed to help students and encourage them to learn new methods and abilities. Our goal is to establish the groundwork for optimal success in achieving their highest potential as they transition into different stages of life including adulthood. With learning comes confidence and that is ultimately what we want to see!

Licensed teachers facilitate activities including social skills exploration, fitness and athletics, recreational group classes, and parent communication.

Dr. and Mrs. Megna Kids Club for Special Kids:
Grant Funded program (FREE for children diagnosed with ASD)
Parents/Guardians must provide Medicals/IEP's and Psychological evaluation.
Ages 6-12
September- June: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 3:00PM - 6:00PM
Program follows Public school calendar

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 cooking & Life Skills, swimming once a week, fitness & sports, Sensory Art, Social Skills, homework help.

Teens After School Program
OPWDD Respite funded (864 Units for the entire school year for two days a week, $8.02 per unit)
Ages 13-21
September-June: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Program follows Public school calendar

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, cooking & life skills, fitness and athletics, recreational group classes, and parent communication.

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

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.

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.

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.

An inclusive, friendly, and welcoming environment for individuals with developmental disabilities, ages 55 and older. Our senior program is located at the AVIS building on Arthur Kills Road. A full array of services is available at our Senior program to individuals 55+ upon their needs and goals. Our participants engage in socializing and stimulating opportunities, community involvement and independence are promoted within the context of the varied activities offered in these programs.

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!

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.

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.

Special Events

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.

Contact

Drita Popovic, Sr. Director for Department of People with Disabilities [email protected]
David Harris, Day Habilitation Director [email protected]
For all OPWDD inquiries, contact Rosemarie at [email protected]