The JCC in Manhattan

Kulam, generously funded by UJA-Federation of New York and the Gruss Lipper Family Foundation, is a Sunday program during the academic year for children with special needs and their families. It is designed for children ages 3-16 with a variety of needs, including children on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum and with varied communication and learning differences. Classes focus on building social skills.

In order to assure that classes are comprised of a group of children who will optimally benefit from the program, a brief intake process has been devised.

For more information or to begin the intake conversation, please contact Leslie Epstein Pearson, LCSW, at the Learning Resource Network at 212.632.4499.

Classes are offered in art, photography, cooking, theater, sports, music, Jewish culture with MATAN, Sibfun and more...

For more information or registration, contact Melissa Lader, LMSW, Director of School Age Special Needs Programs, at 646.505.5729 or mlader@jccnyc.org.

Transitions is a social program for 16-21 year olds with a variety of special needs, including teens and young adults on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum and those with varied communication and learning differences. During the academic year, young people meet at the JCC to participate in activities both on and off the premises. Programming may include sporting events, bowling, yoga, cooking, and community service. Through these fun and social activities, there is an opportunity to build friendships while emphasizing independence and the acquisition of life skills. Participants' interest helps to shape the program and the activities that are chosen.

Transitions is generous funded by Council Member David I. Weprin, Chair Finance Committee and The New York City Council.

In order to assure that classes are comprised of a group of children who will optimally benefit from the program, a brief intake process has been devised. For more information or to begin the intake conversation, please contact Leslie Epstein Pearson, LCSW, at the Learning Resource Network at 212.632.4499.

The JCC in Manhattan, in collaboration with The Cognitech Café, is broadening the use of its computer facilities to accommodate the varied needs of individuals with learning, physical, visual and communication challenges. The JCC is committed to providing unique solutions to empower children and adults with accessible technologies that foster greater independence, learning, and socialization. We will provide hands-on demonstrations, consultations and opportunities to try new software and hardware.

Assistive technology consultations, sponsored by Time Warner Cable

, are also available on select Sundays, by appointment only. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Mark Surabian at msurabian@mac.com. Please be sure to indicate in your email that you are interested in scheduling a consultation at the JCC in Manhattan.

Assistive Technology is part of the Kulam program. Kulam is supported by the generous funding of UJA-Federation of New York and the Gruss Lipper Family Foundation.



A special project of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, LRN is a place where you can turn to ask questions about your child’s learning and development. Our goal is to address your concerns, alleviate your anxiety, design meaningful and manageable plans of action, and develop strategies to empower you as an advocate for your child. We can also refer you to specialists throughout the Jewish Board’s continuum of services and to other programs and professionals in the metropolitan area. If you have any questions, call Leslie Epstein Pearson, LCSW, Director LRN, at 212.632.4499.		MATAN was created to offer a unique combination of services to enrich the lives of Jewish children with special needs and their families. With Jewish educators, special educators, and educational consultants on staff, MATAN is committed to giving the gift of Jewish learning to every child, regardless of ability. Its fundamental educational philosophy is that all children learn differently and some learners need additional resources to succeed in their academic environments. By providing support to children, teachers and families, MATAN aims to address these challenges one child at a time. For more information, please check out www.matankids.org or call 866.410.5600.