Inclusive Strategies for
Your Youth Departmentwith
Dr. Shira M. BerkovitsWINGS Youth Consultant
OU Department of Synagogue Services
OVERVIEWThis webinar will provide you w/ a practical guide
towards creating a YD that is truly welcoming for each child.
Specifically I’ll be discussing: Community resourcesMeeting the needs in your communityCreating a welcoming and safe environmentSpecific programs and Shabbat groupsFood allergies
Synagogues Don’t Need To Go It Alone Remember this is a community issue, and many people
want to help
MINE RESOURCES• Reach Out To Comm.
Experts– Learning Specialists– Special Education Teachers– Psychologists
• Who May– Lead a special needs group– Help develop curricula– Provide training for
YD/leaders– Agree to be parent liaison– Spearhead committee– Consult as problems arise– Interpret into sign language
Potential Resources The Orthodox Union
WINGS Youth Consultant Shira Berkovits www.youthdepartments.com or http://www.ou.org/synagogue_services/wings (fees are subsidized by OU)
Yachad http://www.njcd.org/index.php/njcd/about/C1137/ Local federations Your local JCC/ or Y UJA : http://www.ujafedny.org/disabilities/ Jewish Board of Children & Family Services: http://www.jbfcs.org/ Friendship Circle: http://www.friendshipcircle.com/.
Pairs teen volunteers with children with special needs Matan: http://www.matankids.org/
Whole Systems Approach – Matan creates a team consisting of lay leaders, professionals, and interested parties in order to design a more inclusive synagogue community.
Rosh Pina: http://joshuaventuregroup.org/2012/fellows/fellows-current/elana-naftalin-kelman, Joshua Venture Group Fellow, Elana Naftalin-Kelman Supports synagogues through a year long process to become special
needs certified by providing consultations, resources and communal learning
PRE-MEETINGCall a Meeting for
Parents Find out who is out there Many in the wood works
Advertise Everywhere Show your commitment
PrintShul bulletinsSchool newslettersLocal newspapersCommunity list-servesSocial media
Phone Calls/ EmailsFamilies you knowCommunity expertsConsider partnering
with: Other synagogues Schools Local and national
organizations
THE MEETING• Be Prepared
Be a sympathetic listener w/out being intimidated
Have rabbinic supportAcknowledge what you
know If it’s not a lot, say so.
Enlist parents as allies Describe your limited
resources Can accomplish goals only
through partnership Parents need to invest to see
rewards
ContentGoal: Discover needsSo many types of needs
Some families might just require a small tweak, others need more
Elicit feedback for ideasAsk parents what they
most want from the synagogue
Meet every childAsk about fears &
enjoyment
Many Special NeedsAfter your meeting you have a sense of the special needs in your community.
Physical DisabilitiesCan impact mobility, hearing, speech, sight
Invisible disabilities - may appear to be typically functioningSensory,Learning,Social Mood, behavioral, or personality disordersDevelopmental such as autism spectrum disorders
Cognitive DisabilitiesTransitional IssuesFood Allergies
CREATING A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT
Loud & Clear: PR materials, mission statement, websites, & announcements should emphasize inclusionEven if accommodations are not yet ready, invite the
conversation If handicap accessible, include that information everywhere
This sends a message of welcome & sets the tone for an inclusive YD
ORGANIZATION Most adaptations to accommodate a child with special needs will benefit others
• Safety. Begin by ensuring safety, a parent’s chief concern.– Registration – be responsible. More accountability is better for
all.– CPR & Evacuation Training– Doors with windows– Zero tolerance policy for bullying
• All children must feel protected and safe
• Organization– Clearly planned quality curriculum makes for easier integration
– See Interactive Programming video from Youth Con 2011 for more information on content for youth groups at www.youthcon.org/videos.html
– Post a schedule on the wall & follow it
Organization ContinuedSetting The Physical Space
Minimize distractionsUse chairs for group activitiesLabel names on the chairs to preempt behavioral issuesQuiet voices, calm and quiet hallways, no need to over-
stimulate
Preparation Many kids with special needs do not attend Jewish
schools. They may be more isolated socially and JudaicallyA preview goes far for children with special needsProvide advance exposure to the schedule1-2 tips of what is covered in groups – so they can
participateIntroduce to another child who can ease the transition
GROUPSSpecial Needs Group• Kol HaYiladim/ Kol
HaNearim
Inclusion Group• Great message for all
children• Shadows
– Quiet youth leaders might be the perfect shadow
– Professional shadows for more intense needs
• Know trigger points
Teen Minyan • Big sibling transition
program
Youth Leader – Snack or clear task– Take a break when
necessary– Someone to help the
transition– May be great with
younger kids
FOOD ALLERGIES• Registration list• List in classroom & on snack closet• No outside food• Special training for snack leaders & group leaders• Severe allergies
• Each child must wash hands and mouth before entering
• Training with maintenance staff on wiping down room
• Train leaders to use an epi-pen• Other Health Concerns
– Dental– Juvenile Diabetes – Obesity
PROGRAMSCommon triggers – loud crowded & busy.
AmplificationSimchat Torah, Purim, carnivals
Try adapting by programmingFlexibly. Allow age swaps. Older children don’t need
to be excluded from arts & crafts & Tot ShabbatFor multi-sensory stimulation.
Aim for visuals & full-body experiences e.g. act out birchot hashachar
Special Needs Sedua Shlishit
CONCLUSION• Creating a culture of inclusion takes time, effort & buy-in
• YDs are in unique position to get the ball rolling
• So that every child can have a place, not just in our
hearts, but actually, physically in our communities
• Ultimately, effort you invest in this endeavor will repay
10-fold
– In the satisfaction of including all children
– In so doing you will improve quality of your program & gain a
shem tov – a good reputation in your community & beyond.
THANK YOU!
This webinar is dedicated to the inspiring, resilient families with
special needs (you know who you are) in the communities I work with.
What I know today I owe to you.
Interested in additional resources for your youth department? Check out www.youthdepartments.com