Youth & Family

Inclusion Services

Early Childhood (0-3), Kindergarten (4-5), Elementary (6-9), Preteen (10-13), Teen (14-17), Adults (18+), Seniors (65+), All Ages JCC in Whitefish Bay
We strive to build a community that is accessible and inclusive for individuals living with disabilities.
A group of people posing for a picture.

ONE BIG CIRCLE. EVERYBODY IN IT.

Ability & Inclusion Services provides individualized support for JCC programs and offers resources for individuals with disabilities to enhance their self-esteem, independence, confidence, and social skills.

Our services support the societal model of disability, which emphasizes mental, emotional, and physical well-being and societal participation. We strive to help participants of all abilities build lifelong friendships, try new activities, and become active members in our community.

Program Benefits

The JCC is a caring and connected community that embraces individuals of all backgrounds, faiths, and abilities. Many of the children and adults we serve through our ability and inclusion services have grown up through our programs and are vital and cherished members of our community.

While you don’t have to be Jewish to become immersed in our JCC community, our ability and inclusion services are guided by the following Jewish values:

  • B’tzelem Elohim (all are created in the image of God)
  • Kavod (respect)
  • Kehillah (community)
  • Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh (all are responsible for one another)

chaverim

Chaverim (Hebrew word for friends) is an adult social group for individuals of differing abilities to enjoy social, recreational, and educational programs with door-to-door transportation provided. We work with participants to develop their social skills, build peer relationships, and try new things in a safe and inclusive environment. Chaverim meet Tuesdays & Thursdays throughout the month to participate in dinners, cultural events, arts & crafts, movie & dance nights, social & educational opportunities, and wellness events.

A young girl playing with an exercise ball in a swimming pool.

adaptive wellness

Adaptive Personal Training program is for individuals 12 years and older to learn fundamental fitness skills and increase their gross motor skills. Our qualified personal trainers work with individuals to develop a training plan that meets goals & expectations.

Adaptive Aquatics is designed for individuals ages 4-18 years old who identify as having a disability. Lessons are taught one-on-one with the instructor and focus on building comfort and proficiency in the water. ASL accommodations are also available for JCC youth swim lessons taught in a group setting.

program & Class Support

We work with individuals and families to develop the appropriate accommodations and support to enable participation in JCC classes for all ages.

  • Youth Rec
  • Aquatics
  • Personal Training
  • Early Childhood
  • After School programs
  • Camps

adult day program

Wellness 360 is a group wellness day-program designed for adults with disabilities to learn skills & habits that build independence. Offered in partnership with Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin Family Services Inc. (DSAW), participants work on wellness skills like independent exercise, mindfulness, and hygiene, and practical skills like money handling, paying bills, and more.

bonim farms

Bonim Farms is a program hosted at the Albert & Ann Deshur JCC Rainbow Day Camp which employs adults with disabilities to work as Farm Fellows. Participants maintain general garden needs, harvest & package produce and herbs, manage farmer’s markets, and more, all while learning important life skills. Transportation to Fredonia, WI is included for all Bonim Farms participants.

get started

We want everyone to have the support they need which begins with our team getting to know you and your family.

Name(Required)

questions about ability and inclusion services?

related events

Inclusion and Special Needs

The letter j on a blue background.

Wed

01

All Kinds of Creative Session II

Elementary (6-9), Preteen (10-13), All Ages
May 01 at
4:00 pm – 4:50 pm
Every Wednesday from April 10 to May 22
$140 Members / $160 Community
Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC

Join us for Paint Outside The Lines and wrap up your day in a creative way. Learn about different artists and new techniques.

Inclusion and Special Needs

The letter j on a blue background.

Thu

02

Paint Outside The Lines Session II

Preteen (10-13), Teen (14-17), All Ages
May 02 at
4:30 pm – 5:20 pm
Every Thursday from April 11 to May 23
$160 Members / $180 Community
Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC

Join us for Paint Outside The Lines and wrap up your day in a creative way. Learn about different artists and new techniques.

Inclusion and Special Needs

The letter j on a blue background.

Tue

07

Chaverim: Yoga

May 07 at 06:00pm
Price: $5
Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC