BEINEINU NEWS & NOTES
February 14, 2013
INTERNATIONAL
Beineinu Weekly Updates—If you receive our weekly updates and cannot connect to the full articles on our website, we can email you the articles on request. Contact
USA
Tafkid Purim Festival-- Tafkid’s FREE annual Purim Festival will be on February 17th at FDR High School, 5800 20th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, from 12:00-5:00 pm. It features an exciting carnival and entertainment by big name Jewish performers: one of the Twins From France, Shloimy Dachs, Michael Pruzansky, and the Shaarei Arazim Marching Band. There will be free nosh & drinks, with pizza sold at discount price in the lobby. The festival is open to all families dealing with special needs, and is handicapped accessible. No reservations necessary.
Relationship Coaching—Ohel’s Simcha Program provides both group and one-on-one coaching for marriage minded individuals who are developmentally delayed or have a psychiatric diagnosis. They have recently expanded this service to Cedarhurst. There is no longer a fee for this program. Contact Sarah Kahan at 718-686-3262
Gastroenterologist—JCCSG has informed us that one of the specialists that they recommend for Chron’s & Colitis, Dr. Saul Agus of Mount Sinai Hospital, will be seeing patients in Williamsburg every Sunday & Friday at the ParCare Health & Medical Center, located at 445 Park Ave. Brooklyn NY 11205. Many insurances accepted. For appointments, call 718-963-0800.
Special Olympics--Special Olympics New Jersey “Get Into Our Game” Track & Field Program was created for special needs school-age children and young adults 8 years of age and up. To register or to obtain more information about the SONJ “Get Into Our Game” Program, please contact: Berkeley Heights Recreation Department at 908-464-0550. Registration ends on Friday, February 15, 2013.
Autism TV Channel--New Autism TV channel started in September that can be streamed from the internet using a ROKU box. They share information and currently have no advertising. http://theautismchannel.tv
ISRAEL
Purim Costumes—AHAVA, a special needs organization, is sponsoring Purim costumes for children with special needs whose parents cannot afford to purchase new ones. The family must be AHAVA members to receive this benefit. Please email
Support Group-A support group is being formed in Beitar for mothers of children with PDD, Asperger’s, Autism, or any autistic spectrum disorder. The group will meet once a week in the mornings and will include peer support as well as presentations from professionals. If you are interested in joining such a group, please email:
Jerusalem Families Tour—Kesher and Tzamid are joining to once again provide tours of Jerusalem for families with children having special needs. The program is geared to children with special needs and their families – parents, siblings and grandparents. Tours are adapted for families with children ages 6-21 with cognitive, developmental and/or physical mobility limitations. The tours offer a family bonding experience in a warm, supportive environment, where there is a lace for the child with special needs, as well as his/her siblings and parents. Most tours will take place Thursdays between 4:30-6:30 pm. Cost: 140 NIS per family. For information and to register: KESHER Jerusalem – 02-6236116,
Click here to view invitation Click here to view tour program
Training Autistics to Interpret Aerial Pictures for the IDF—A pilot program is being planned to train high functioning autistic people to work for the IDF in the field of interpreting aerial photographs. This experimental project is based on the fact that many people on the autism spectrum display significant capability in identification and visual scanning, excellent memory skills and attention to detail. Training will take place in the Ono Academic College with professional instructors, as part of an approximately 3-month-long course, daytime hours, five hours a week. Training will include learning professional skills in the field of interpretation as well as life skills and preparation for employment.
Following are the minimum criteria:
- Ages 18-22
- Diagnosed on the autism spectrum (including PDD and Asperger)
- Finishing at least 12 years of education by the time training will begin (in regular or special ed, or mainstreamed)
- Basic computer skills
- Basic or higher communication and language skills. Basic or higher Hebrew reading/writing skills.
- Independent in their conduct in the environment (learning will take place on campus, and students will conduct themselves independently, without accompaniment)
- Awareness of time and the ability to reasonably meet a schedule
- No behavioral problems which can interfere with the learning of the candidate and/or the group
Families of candidates who are highly compatible with to requirements are welcome to contact
Later, candidates' compatibility will be tested through a process which will also include filling out questionnaires and a personal interview. Those with the highest chances of completing the training will be selected.