Special Needs Commission
Special needs supports services continued...
Dr. Weiner could not be more qualified to lead this new program. She brings years of experience in working with special needs from multiple perspectives. She’s been an educator, advocate, networker, researcher, volunteer and long-time member of JFS’s Special Needs Commission.
JFS is proud to be able, through the generosity of two families in our community, to offer this unique and long needed service to the members of our community who too frequently feel unheard and alone. For more information or to seek services, please call JFS at 949-435-3460.
The Mission of the Special Needs Commission:
To ascertain and identify special needs of Jewish individuals and families related to physical and/or cognitive impairments that are barriers to the individual’s or family’s ability to participate in the social, recreational, social service, or cultural programs of the Jewish community.
To work collaboratively with other Jewish institutions to reduce these barriers and to create a more inclusive environment.
To provide education to the Jewish community of Orange County-at-large about the needs of those with disabilities, in order to increase sensitivity and to reduce attitudinal barriers.
To provide specific information about and referral to Jewish and general community-based resources that can support individuals and families affected by special needs as defined here.
Accomplishments: Since the formation of the Special Needs Commission, much has been accomplished. An in-depth survey of Jewish agency professionals and Jewish individuals and family members of those with disabilities was conducted by the SNC. Barriers to inclusion were delineated and information was gathered about programs in the Jewish community that are inclusive.
Special Needs Commission Members
Alyce Brodoff, Parent of Special Needs Child
David Eisenbach, Jeremiah Society
Fran Solmor Gustin, Parent of Special Needs Child;Attorney Special Needs Trust & Estate Planning
Jerry Kaplan, JFSOC Member Board of Directors
Roy Kaufman, PhD, Executive Director, Jeremiah Society
Pam Kauss, MFT, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Anita Kurtz, Chairperson, JFSOC Board Member
Joe Lebovitz, MD, JFSOC Board Member
Neal Linson, Information Tech Consultant
Mel Lipson, JASN
Brian Mandel, Attorney, JFSOC Board President
Jim Pasino, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Ro Probolsky, Geriatric Specialist
Lucille Sacks, Disability Awareness Foundation
Jan Weiner, PhD, CSUF Special Education Professor
Howard Weinstein, JASN
Alan Zamosky, CEO Jewish Family Service
SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE DIRECTORY (downloadable as PDF)