People Living with Disabilities Program
Guided by the values of belonging, dignity, and belief in the full acceptance and contribution of people with disabilities, JFCS supports adults 18+ with disabilities in achieving the highest level of independence, creating meaningful community, and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable world. JFCS’ expertise is in serving individuals on the autism spectrum, with developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges, and other disabilities.
SIDE BY SIDE – Community for People Living with Disabilities
Inclusive educational and social programs designed to teach and foster life skills to achieve self-sufficiency and self-actualization, including art, cooking and nutrition, advocacy, social justice, mindfulness, music therapy, and more.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
- In-JOY Holiday Celebrations (Inclusive Jewish Occasions Year-round): Jewish holiday celebrations for people with disabilities and their families, caregivers, and friends. In-JOY events are open to the general community, not just JFCS clients, and to people of all faiths.
- Caregiver Support Group (virtual): offers family and caregivers of adolescents and adults with disabilities a space to share their feelings, learn from one another’s experience, problem solve, and receive emotional support.
- Inclusion workshops: students in the community gain education and awareness of issues as they learn from people with disabilities
- Social justice programs: lectures, film screenings, and discussions that bring awareness to key areas affecting the disability community.
- We’ve Got Talent: community talent shows that celebrate art, poetry, dancing, and music.
ADVOCACY
JFCS is committed to advocating for a more inclusive and equitable world. We support adults with disabilities, along with their families and caregivers, in speaking out on important issues, educating the wider community, promoting awareness, and lobbying for laws that affect themselves and their peers.
In-person programs are offered at The Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center in Bala Cynwyd.
All potential participants in our People Living with Disabilities Program undergo an initial assessment to determine if programs and services are an appropriate fit.
Our Staff
Or Ben Ari, LCSW, Program Director