The
complete resource to help parents and professionals include ALL kids in summer camp
Every Person Brings “Special Needs”
It seems like a long time ago that children
and adults at the Jewish Community Center were considered either “normal”
or “disabled”. Proudly, the
professionals at this agency have moved far away from this distinction. Through
continuing education and personal experiences, we have learned to appreciate
the challenges and embrace the strengths that each of our members brings to classes and special events.
We have come to understand the fleeting nature
of skill and agility, but the enduring need for compassion and respect. In
addition, we’ve seen that “special needs” result not only from accidents,
aging, diseases or congenital conditions, but also from environmental
circumstances such as the death of a family member, divorce, or a geographical
move. One member may require special attention for a short period of time;
another, for the duration of his or her enrollment in a particular program.
Thus we
are committed to providing programs which are accessible to every person
enrolled. One of our summer campers
navigates his wheelchair everywhere but in the pool, and when he’s swimming
with his paraprofessional, his chair and his
Canine Companion wait patiently on deck!
Another participates fully in activities, despite significant auditory
and visual challenges.
To meet the needs of these and many other
children throughout the year, the Center utilizes the services of an Inclusion
Specialist. This highly trained professional trains staff, facilitates meetings
with families and other professionals, and oversees individual intervention
plans. Often, the needs of children are
identified for the first time in a Center program. It is then up to the
Specialist and Center professionals to provide support, intervention on site,
and referral to other services when appropriate.
Special services are not limited to children.
Members who find it difficult to walk from our lobby to our Sports and Fitness
department, are provided with a wheelchair and personal assistance. Once at the
pool, they may use our mechanical assist to get into the water, where they may
participate in one of our many therapy classes taught by trained professionals.
Center professionals are proud of our
beautiful facility and our cutting edge programs. But we are most proud of
the caring and respect with which we
serve every one of our members.
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Inclusion For All – All Rights Reserved