

Special Needs Partnership




Community Programs
For more information about these community programs, please contact Ariela Goldstein at agoldstein@jfsdallas.org
The Inclusion Experience
To learn more about the Inclusion Experience, contact kjackson@jfsdallas.org.
The Inclusion Experience is a hands-on, multi-sensory simulation designed for participants to experience the reality of the difficulties faced by people with specific disabilities. Our goal is to help build and create awareness and understanding, sensitivity and inclusion, and empathy and compassion.
Groups of all ages and abilities are given the opportunity to participate in stations simulating what itโs like to have behaviors associated with: learning differences, executive functioning challenges, fine motor difficulties, and hearing, speech, vision and memory impairments. At each of the stations, trained facilitators open up discussions about what can be done to better accommodate those with special needs in personal and professional settings. Participants also discuss the emotions that individuals may have who are managing these daily challenges.
Parents Empowered Raising Kids (PERK)
To begin receiving communications about PERK meetings, please contact us.
PERK, our parent and guardian support group, meets monthly to help create and support connections between adults who are raising children or caring for adults with special needs. PERK events are facilitated by professionals from the JFS Special Needs Resource Team and are designed to give parents tools, resources, and support for everyday challenges.
Faith Inclusion Network of Dallas
Please check our community calendar for information on the next FIND conference.
The Faith Inclusion Network of Dallas (FIND) is a collaboration of faith communities coming together to create inclusion for those with special needs. FIND offers support by sharing best practices and resources, and educating faith leaders with the goal of providing a sense of belonging for all.
In 2015, Jewish Family Service of Dallas convened its first two-day conference with faith leaders. Now, years later, temples, synagogues, churches, and mosques are coming together to continue to move our mission forward.