GREATER METROWEST ABLE VISION

Greater MetroWest ABLE envisions a Greater MetroWest community that is made whole through the active and meaningful participation of all of its members, with opportunities for access to every aspect of Jewish life.

10 New ABLE Awarded Partners Recognized!

Ten congregations and agencies were honored as the newest partners to become ABLE Awarded, acknowledging them as having a mindset of providing an inclusive environment for all members of the Jewish community. These newest partners are  Bnai Keshet, JCC MetroWest, Jewish Family Service of Central NJ, Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled, Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest NJ, The Joint Chaplaincy Committee of Greater MetroWest NJ, The Partnership for Jewish Learning and Life, and Temple Sholom of Scotch Plains. These partners join those who had already achieved this goal:  Adath Shalom Synagogue, Congregation Agudath Israel, Congregation Awahas Achim B’nai Jacob & David, Congregation B’nai Israel of Millburn, Congregation Beth Israel, Temple Beth Shalom, Temple B’nai Abraham, Temple Sha’arey Shalom, and Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel.

February is Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month

There are so many things to share from our month. Links to many of the articles and posts are included below for your reference.  

• February is Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month
• Disabilities Survey
• ABLE to celebrate inclusion, honor partners
• Boy with autism chants haftarah ‘flawlessly’
• February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month
• Avi Golden Headlines WO ‘Shabbat Shalem’
• We All Need the Magic Words of Inclusion

Greater MetroWest ABLE is hosting a number of programs throughout the month to support the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities. more

Jewish Disability Awareness Month Programs

Featured Programs
 

Mom's Support Group

2nd Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC
760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange

Are you looking for support and guidance, networking with other moms, how to be the best advocate, services and resources available in your community? For more information please Rebecca Wanatick, Community Coordinator, Greater MetroWest ABLE at (973) 929-3129 or rwanatick@jfedgmw.org.

Special Needs Caregiver's Support Group

For caregivers of children/adults with special needs
This group offers:

• Support and guidance
• An opportunity to network with other parents/guardians
• Ways to advocate for your child
• Services and resources available in the community

For more information please contact Rebecca Wanatick, Community Inclusion Manager, Greater MetroWest ABLE at (973) 929-3129 or rwanatick@jfedgmw.org.

Sibling's Support Group

Thursday evenings, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Jewish Family Services of MetroWest
570 W. Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston

For siblings of children with special needs
This group offers:

• Support and Guidance
• An opportunity to address feelings in a fun, supportive environment
• Meet other children in similar situations

For more information please contact Rebecca Wanatick, Community Inclusion Manager, Greater MetroWest ABLE at (973) 929-3129 or rwanatick@jfedgmw.org.

Union County Sibling's and Caregiver's Support Group

Thursday evenings, 6-7:15 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m. (download flyer for specific times and dates)
The JCC of Central NJ
1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains

Vodcasts of Recent Workshops
 

Special Education — Your Child’s Rights and District’s Obligations Under IDEA and NJ Law
Learn more about your child’s rights and district’s obligations under IDEA.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentation

Future Planning: What You Need to Know to Ensure Your Child's Care
This workshop begins to answer the questions you have about planning for your child in adulthood. It is never too early to begin the process. 
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations

Building a Team as an Investment in Your Child's Future
This workshop begins to answer the questions of developing a team to transition your child from school to what happens next. 
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations

Creative Alternatives to Supervised and Supportive Residential Options
This workshop discusses the process of eligibility, options, and opportunities for supportive housing for adults with disabilities.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations 

Navigating the Bureaucracy — How to Get Efficient and Effective Services for Your Family Member with Special Needs
Learn more about how to navigate the many systems in place to support your family. This presentation includes information on state and federal programs, understanding insurance plans and changes in DDD.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations

While You Wait For Residential Services…How Do You Maximize the Resources Available?
Learn more about how to maximize the resources that are in place to support your family. This presentation includes information on using self-directed service budgets, the new DDD Supports Program, and services provided by NJDVRS.
click here for more info and to view videos of the presentations

Contact Info

Rebecca Wanatick, Community Inclusion Manager
(973) 929-3129 • rwanatick@jfedgmw.org

Media Coverage

Children with Special Needs & Disabilities: Programs in New Jersey
Kveller (11/2/16)
Raising young kids always comes with its fair share of challenges (looking at you, bed time) but when you throw in things like special needs and disabilities, families could use all the support they can get. One of the amazing resources available to New Jersey families in Essex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Union counties is Greater MetroWest ABLE—a consortium of 13 organizations that provide programming and support for individuals with disabilities and their families. more

Aging and Disabilities Roundtable
AccessFederation (9/27/16)
On September 23, approximately 50 communal workers who work with older adults and/or individuals with disabilities in the Jewish community gathered for an educational seminar to discuss the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families as they all age.  Those attending the Aging and Disabilities Roundtable learned about all the resources available to them and their clients through the incredible network of agencies in Greater MetroWest. more

Special Needs Program for Educators
AccessFederation (9/20/16)
This past weekend saw the launch of the Matan Institute of Greater MetroWest, bringing the national organization to our community to run a year-long program for our local congregational religious school teachers and directors. The program is designed to provide participants with concrete tools and strategies for reaching all students and including children with special needs in Jewish education. more

Standing Up For Inclusion
AccessFederation (9/13/16)

Greater MetroWest ABLE is excited to announce that it is about to embark on its first Matan Institute of Greater MetroWest on Sunday, September 18. There are 22 educators representing 11 congregations participating in the yearlong program which provides education and mentorship in the area of special education. more

view more in the Media Coverage Archive