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