Special Needs Enrichment Programs

special needs programs

Mission

To provide special needs enrichment programs that are appropriate for children, teens, and young adults with ADHD, speech/language delays, learning disabilities, autism, or other developmental disabilities. This is a nonsectarian program that provides scholarships and 1:1 assistance whenever possible. All programs support each person’s individual needs and are open to the general public.

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special-needs programs

Approach

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A combination of teamwork, encouragement, compassion, respect, and presumption of ability enables the success of our special-needs enrichment programs. With small groups in a warm, nurturing atmosphere, your child will be guided to develop physical, pragmatic, communication, and social skills. We cultivate self-esteem, encourage creativity, and help kids develop friendships.

Our enrichment staff includes a team of dedicated leaders who often work in special-needs programs within local school districts during the weekdays. Some of our programs are partially made available through a family support services grant from NY OPWDD. Scholarships are available for those with financial hardship; these require income verification and are based on a sliding scale.

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Special Needs Enrichment Programs

adult socialization group

Circle of Friends

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This program provides a social group for individuals 20 and older who identify as having special needs.

Participants must live outside of a residential facility and be qualified with OPWDD.

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ages 6–12

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A support workshop for children ages 6–12 coping with issues related to having a sibling with a developmental disability. Participants can share, explore feelings, and learn in a safe and supportive environment.

Fall Schedule

Mondays 4:30–5:30 PM October 2–December 18

Winter/Spring Schedule

Mondays 4:30–5:30 PM January 8–May 20 January 15, February 19, March 25, April 22 and 29
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ages 12–16

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A support workshop for teens coping with issues related to having a sibling with a developmental disability. Participants can share, explore feelings, and learn in a safe and supportive environment.

Fall Schedule

Fridays 4:00–5:00 PM September 22–December 22 November 24

Winter/Spring Schedule

Fridays 4:00–5:00 PM January 5–May 10 February 23, April 26

social skills development

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Offered for two sessions during the school year, plus a shorter summer six-week session, this all-inclusive drop-off, recreational, social-skills development program is carried out through art, music, gymnastics, active play, creative movement, and supported social play. Grouped primarily by age, participants receive individualized attention from group leaders, specialty instructors, and devoted teen volunteers.

Sunday Funday is a community socialization program that is open to ages 3–21, regardless of disability status.

Fall Schedule

Sundays 9:00 AM–12:00 PM September 24–December 17 November 26

Winter/Spring Schedule

Sundays 9:00 AM–12:00 PM January 21–June 2 February 18 and 25, May 12 and 26
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ages 8+

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Participants and their caregivers will be introduced to the basic tenets of Tai Chi, which is proven to improve balance, flexibility, and muscle strength; alleviate stress, anxiety, and symptoms of asthma; and increase one’s energy level.

Limit of six participants.

Fall Schedule

Sundays 12:00–12:45 PM September 24–December 17 November 26

Winter/Spring Schedule

Sundays 12:00–12:45 PM January 7–May 19 January 14, February 18, February 25, March 31, April 28, and May 12

JCCMW Disclaimer

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We reserve the right to change or cancel classes, instructors, schedules, policies, and/or prices at any time.

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