Inclusion Conference Workshops

Conference participants should register for TWO WORKSHOPS, one workshop for Session A and one workshop for Session B. Please select a 1st and 2nd choice for Session A and Session B.

1. PART I: Building Inclusive Congregations. Strategies and Reflections from Professional Leadership. Sharing reflections on successful strategies in helping congregations become welcoming and supportive for people with disabilities and their families.

Panel: Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, Rabbi Jay Stein, Gabrielle Kaplan Mayer. Facilitator: Rev. Bill Gaventa

11. PART II: Building Inclusive Congregations. Do’s, Don’ts, and Resources for Beginning and Building Inclusive Supports. Following session I, this workshop gives participants the opportunity to discuss and share questions and ideas. Rev. Bill Gaventa will provide religious and secular perspectives on building inclusive communities and congregations. Worship, religious education, family supports, community outreach and service… all pathways on the journey to inclusion, a journey from “apart from” to one of being “a part of” the life and service of G‐d’s people.

10. Translating an IEP into Jewish Education. This session will help day school teachers make accommodations for their students who have IEP’s. Sharon Schanzer, Ph.D.

6. Legal Issues and Estate Planning.

Randy Hope Steen, JD, Debra Weidman JD & Bruce Sham

5. When to Refer Children for Psychological Evaluation Developmental, Behavioral, Emotional and Academic Red Flags.

Jill Belchic Schwartz & Susanne Goldstein

3. Opening Spiritual Doors. Offering insights into the possibilities inherent in everything from traditional practices to spontaneous prayer, family customs and heartfelt blessings to awaken the spiritual lives of individual with disabilities.

Rabbi Judith Abrahamson & Rabbi Margot Stein

4. Insights into Social Skills – Understanding the Individual and the Community’s Response. Discuss the importance of enhancing social skills of children and adults with Special Needs, gain understanding into the individual’s struggles, and explore family and community inclusive responses.

Lisa Ney, LSW, Special Needs Coordinator for Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia

7. Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, Food and Bee Venom Allergies. How to deal with childcare for children who have these allergies.

Dr. Johanna Johnson, Attending Pediatrics Albert Einstein Medical Center, Director of Allergy Clinic

8. “Saying Yes: The Story of Max Rubin and the Neve Shalom Nursery School.” A short film about children changing the world; Discussion to follow.

Sheri‐Rose Rubin, Mother of two children, one who has Cerebral Palsy

9. Transitioning to Adulthood: College and Career. Focusing on sharing resources and expertise for how all people can pursue college and or employment.

Matan Barnea & Gary Lachow

2. What Stops Inclusion? Dan Gottlieb

Session A

Session B

Text Box: 18. Making it Work for Everyone in the Classroom. Setting expectations in the classroom that are realistic for students and teachers alike; Meeting the needs of all students.

Text Box: 15. Where Do I Live Once I’m 21?Learn about group home living, supportive apartments, and independent apartment living with hourly supports for those with developmental disabilities, autism and brain injury. Judith Creed, Chairperson of JCHAI's Board of Directors Stacy Jarett Levitan, JCHAI's Executive Director

Text Box: 16. Successfully Including a Child with Learning and Social Differences into a Preschool Classroom. Discussing possible reasons that a child is struggling in preschool and provide strategies to help make his or her day in school more successful. Barbara Greenberg

Text Box: 14. “You shall teach Them to Your Children: Providing a Jewish Education for Children with Special Needs.” Sharing of the paper that was unanimously passed by the Conservative Movement's Committee on Jewish Law and Standards. Rabbi Jay Stein, Har Zion

13. Development: Delays and Differences. An overview of typical development and the identification of delays and differences. Strategies for obtaining services for children with developmental needs will be provided.

Dr. Wendy Ross, Developmental Pediatrician

17. Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, father of Lior of the award-winning documentary, Praying with Lior.