Since the agency began in 1985, the Council For Jews With Special Needs has been praised for developing a national model for a “single point of entry” service system that provides the assistance necessary to enable Jews with special needs to celebrate the spiritual, educational, social and cultural aspects of Judaism. Most communities offer their disability resources within each setting (congregations, schools, camps, Jewish community centers, etc) which requires multiple initial interviews.  The “single point of entry” approach requires only one interview to receive information about all disability resources in the community.

The Council provides essential supports, staff training, student observations and recommendations for accommodations for special education programs and inclusion at all grade levels (preschool through adult classes) in Jewish schools.  To enhance participation in local camps and recreation, our inclusion consultants provide staff training, camper observations and recommendations for accommodations. Teens and adults with special needs enjoy the social programs and continuing Judaic studies offered in Yad B’Yad and Keshet.  Sign language interpreters are available upon request in nearly every Jewish setting.  Shalom House (2001) and Keshet House (2009) are the only Jewish group homes in Arizona.  Shalom House and Keshet House are also the meeting places for Yad B’Yad and Keshet groups’ programs twice a month.

We are proud of what the agency has achieved in addressing the needs of what was an unserved portion of the Jewish community.  Our vision for the future focuses on efforts to build on our strong foundation in order to expand the programs and services and to assess the challenges that face us in the coming years.  Currently, the Council staff is researching the area of children with mental health concerns as relates to their classroom needs and the area of geriatric challenges facing individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities as they grow older as well as their aging parents/guardians.