Special Needs Commission
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
Anita Kurtz, Chairperson, JFSOC Board Member
Heather Becker, Special Needs Learning Partnership
Carol Clayman, Attorney
David Eisenbach, President of the Board, Jeremiah Society
Roy Kaufman, PhD, Executive Director, Jeremiah Society
Pam Kauss, MFT, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Joe Lebovitz, MD, JFSOC Board Member
Joan Levine, PhD, CSUF Special Education Professor
Ruth Lott, BSN
Jim Pasino, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Ro Probolsky, Geriatric Specialist
Lucille Sacks, Disability Awareness Foundation
Sabrina Sjolseth, Community Ed. Coordinator, Bureau of Jewish Education
Barbara Stern, MSW, Prentice School
Michele Walot, JFSOC Board Member
Jan Weiner, PhD, CSUF Special Education Professor
SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE DIRECTORY (downloadable as PDF)