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Jewish Special Education International Consortium |
Jewish Special Education Resources
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Adult Education and Community Engagement The members of the Jewish Special Education International Consortium encourage Jewish communities to create programs for adults with disabilities who cannot participate in or benefit from “typical” adult classes or programs. These specialized adult studies classes and social groups should meet the following criteria:
● Maintain their exploration of Jewish traditions, rituals, prayer, history, literature, culture, home life and more ● Present all materials in the context of “real Jewish life” ● Meet on a regular basis in Jewish settings ● Offer self-paced learning and activities ● Modify lessons for the learning styles of adult participants ● Use multi-sensory teaching methods ● Invite guest speakers for different topics ● Turn abstract concepts into more literal, concrete presentations ● Create Adult Social Groups for social and recreational activities ● Engage non-disabled peers to participate and forge friendships ● Explore opportunities to partner with “regular” young adult programs, congregational and community groups Included in the resources in this section are suggestions for Adult Jewish Studies’ curricula and activities.
Disability Awareness Materials
The members of the Jewish Special Education International Consortium encourage Jewish communities to create programs that educate and sensitize the general public about individuals who have various disabling conditions. These disability awareness presentations should meet the following criteria:
● Focus on the dignity of individuals who have a disability ● Stress the modifications and accommodations that enable a person with a disability to perform so many “typical” activities of daily life ● Invite speakers to share their experiences of living with a disability ● Show documentary films such as “Praying with Lior” and “Including Samuel” ● Immediately follow disability simulations that “temporarily disable” a participant with examples of modifications and other forms of accommodating the specific characteristic of the disability ● Provide ample time for discussion after any simulations ● Guide discussions with prepared questions and topics Included in the resources in this section are suggestions for Disability Awareness presentations and related activities. ACAJE Don't Laugh At Me Workshop Bibliographies of Children's Books Disability Awareness Training Resources Dolls with Disabilities Presentation Disability Awareness Bibliography Eliminate the Label of Special Needs Including Samuel Discussion Questions Including Samuel DVD and Guide JDAM Disability Shabbat Sermon Jewish Disability Awareness Month Powerpoint Meta-Analysis of Disability Simulation Research Same and Different for Young Children
Early Childhood Materials
Children are our most precious gift. We believe every Jewish child deserves a Jewish education and work to fulfill the mitzvah of teaching our children diligently. Members of the Jewish Special Education International Consortium met in May of 2009. We encourage Jewish communities to develop, cultivate and sustain Early Childhood Inclusion in typical Jewish preschools. We recommend that:
● Inclusion consultants meet regularly with all preschool directors to explore concerns about inclusion and to open direct lines of communication ● Communities strive to develop and maintain inclusion efforts through one-on-one and large-scale teacher trainings that publicize inclusion support services ● Local Jewish disability resource agencies can support early childhood education directors to develop guidelines that include: 1. How to acquire consent for a consultant to observe children in preschool settings 2. Who will train one-on-one aides 3. Who will pay for one-on-one aides 4. How to evaluate and determine the need for a child to leave and seek another preschool
A sampling of PowerPoint presentations and other training materials created by Consortium members are available for use in your community. Topics include: the power of observation, problem solving and emotional regulation, referral process, Staff Review of a Child process, an introduction to inclusion in the preschool setting, The Inclusion Rating Tool for Synagogues, case studies, teacher training and observation guidelines. In addition to the resources shared, please feel free to contact the presenters directly.
ACAJE Referral Materials Early Childhood Conference Powerpoint Early Intervention and Working with Parents Inclusion of Children in Congregational Preschools Powerpoint Learning to Observe Powerpoint Problem Solving and Emotional Regulation Powerpoint Staff Review of the Child Powerpoint Teacher Training Pilot Program
General Materials
A Guide produced by the BJENY-SAJES
School Related Services For Jewish Persons With Special Needs
Jewish Community Guide to Inclusion of People with Disabilities, by Shelly Christensen MA, published by Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis http://www.jfcsmpls.org/pdf%20new/inclusionguide.pdf
Sample Surveys
Community Assessment - Kansas City Community Assessment - Houston Early Childhood - Philadelphia Supplemental School - Rockville Supplemental School - Philadelphia Synagogue Inclusion Questionnaire - Rockville
Training Teenagers to Work with Others with Special Needs
The Consortium strongly supports the development and implementation of programs for training teen volunteers to work with students who have special needs. When the Jewish community invests and implements a teen training program to work with individuals who have special needs we help maximize (both the teen and the student who has special needs) capacity to learn and grow.
Benefits for students who have special needs: Enhances educational experiences for all students Allows learning to take place according to the needs of the student They become part of the community
Benefits for teen: Develops self-esteem, teens serve as role models for others. Increased connection to Judaism, Jewish identity and long term commitment Enhances educational experiences Expands teen interests regarding possible career options in special education and related fields.
Benefits for community: Promotes philosophy of inclusion and community of acceptance (for future generations) Facilitates inclusion for students with special needs in congregational schools (synagogue community, community programs and camps) Development of skills & dispositions extends beyond school environment into community. Provides additional resources and support for classroom teacher
Goals for Teen Training: How to work with Teens most effectively To make teens sensitive and aware to special needs To teach strategies for making accommodations Provide teachers with knowledge to be able to better utilize teens in classroom Utilize skills of teens with clear expectations Develop recruitment/intake/selection and follow thru with guarantee of support. Develop Teacher and Teen Contract Establish Goals Delineate Assignments
Additional resources:
Building a Madrichim Program in Your School Building a Madrichim Program for Teachers
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