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.
Applications Now Available!
Greater MetroWest ABLE is now accepting applications for the Matan Institute of Greater MetroWest, a year-long training and mentorship program for education directors and their teachers who are supporting children with disabilities in their classrooms. » more
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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.
Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month was in February.
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
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. >>more
Special Needs Caregiver's Support Group
For caregivers of children/adults with special needs
This group will offer:
- 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 Coordinator, Greater MetroWest ABLE at (973) 929-3129 or rwanatick@jfedgmw.org. >>more
Sibling's Support Group
Thursday evenings, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (download flyer for specific dates)
Jewish Family Services of MetroWest
570 W. Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston
Program Fee: $50
For siblings of children with special needs
This group will offer:
- 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 Coordinator, Greater MetroWest ABLE at (973) 929-3129 or rwanatick@jfedgmw.org. >>more
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
Program Fee: $50
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
Media Coverage
Union County Congregations receive grants to enhance services for people with disabilities
nj.com (6/17/14)
Three Union County congregations have been awarded Greater MetroWest ABLE Synagogue Challenge Grants that will be used for building enhancements, programs, and/or enhanced services for people with disabilities and their families, allowing them greater accessibility to the synagogue community. more
ABLE Challenge Grants 2013
Summit Jewish Community Center, Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim in Cranford, and Temple Sholom in Scotch Plains, in collaboration with Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim and Congregation Beth Israel, Scotch Plains, are four out of eight congregations across Essex, Morris, and Union counties that have been awarded Synagogue ABLE Challenge Grants by Greater MetroWest ABLE to promote inclusion in synagogue life for individuals and families with special needs. more
Lt. Governor visits the WAE Center
For an hour on April 27, New Jersey’s lieutenant governor laughed, danced, shook hands, and high-fived her way through the WAE Center in West Orange, sharing moments of fun with many of the 65 clients of the Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled of Greater MetroWest program. more
view more in the Media Coverage Archive
