Jewish organizations have joined forces to make “Special Needs Family Day” a true South Palm Beach County Jewish community event on February 13, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The very special event will be held at 21160 95^th Avenue South, off Glades Road west of Boca Raton. 

Families are invited to join workshops on behavior, life planning and more. They’ll explore a Resource Fair of information on a wide variety of special needs topics – all while their children or family members enjoy supervised activities.

“Bully Proof Your Child” will be presented by keynote speaker Dr. Rona Novick of Yeshiva University.

Presented by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Department of Special Needs and YACHAD/The National Jewish Council for Disabilities (with an office in Boynton Beach), Family Day observes February as Jewish Disabilities Awareness and National Inclusion Month.  This second annual event is hosted by JARC at its Living and Learning Center, in conjunction with the Jewish Federation. Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service and the Adolph and Rose Levis JCC are also participating.

“Special Needs Family Day is a unified effort from our Jewish community,” said Dr. Michelle LaRocque, the Federation’s Director of Community Special Needs Services. “We are proud that many of our community agencies, schools, and synagogues are collaborating with us as we are not whole until all of us belong.”

“We do not do things for people with disabilities,” continued LaRocque. “We do things with people with disabilities.  To that end, we have created a special day filled with workshops, resources and fun to raise awareness and support efforts to foster inclusion of people with disabilities and their families in our Jewish community in every aspect of Jewish life.”

Kosher lunch and refreshments will be provided. A family donation of $18 is recommended for the day.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Dr. LaRocque at michellel@bocafed.org or 561-852-3175

 

The Department of Special Needs at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County supports and promotes collaboration among existing community resources, and collaborates with families, agencies, congregations, and schools to obtain and enhance services for children and adults with disabilities. The department provides consultation and training; resources to assist families including Department of Special Needs: Local Jewish Community Information and Referral Directory (PDF); and information for community planning to address service gaps. Learn more at: http://www.jewishboca.org/special-needs/department-of-special-needs/

Yachad/NJCD National Jewish Council for Disabilities is dedicated to enhancing the life opportunities of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their participation in the full spectrum of Jewish life. Yachad members participate in activities each month. There are Yachad Chapters located throughout the United States and Canada, including in Boynton Beach. Visit http://www.njcd.org/