Inclusion: Special Needs

Chair: Maya Styner

Goals

• Continue to educate the JRC community about removing barriers to full participation of children and adults with special needs.
• Provide a calm, safe, and welcoming room for those who need it during Shabbat services and Religious School.
• Make fidget toys available for children attending Shabbat services.
• Expand the Friendly Companions Program to connect families with special needs to interested congregants.
• Plan an educational program on bullying and special needs for Religious School children.

Accomplishments

• Providing professional development for Religious School faculty.
• Assigning teaching assistants (madrichim) to children with special needs.
• Revising JRC Membership Application and Religious School Registration Form to reflect JRC's commitment to inclusion.
• Providing more detailed descriptions of future school-wide events, including time frames, so families can more accurately target activities appropriate for their children.