Disabilities Programs

Mandel JCC New Programs for Children and Teens With Disabilities

Children and teens with physical, emotional and developmental challenges can now take advantage of all that The Mandel JCC has to offer. Extra support and program accommodations are available so that children with disabilities can join in all the fun. Specially-trained inclusion aides, when needed, provide extra support.

Children and Teens with disabilities can participate in:


New Classes

Parent and Child Introduction to Water Fun and Safety

DATES:

TBD

TIME:

TBD

AGES:

5-12

FEES:

$55/Member $80/NonMember

Children participate in a variety of fun games and exercises all aimed at increasing their confidence the water. In this 8-week introductory class, children, assisted by their parents, will experience:

A parent (caregiver) must accompany children in the water. All classes will be held in shallow water, parent need not know how to swim. Swim diapers and rubber pants are required for children that are not toilet-trained.

Hang With Us… A Social Skills Group

DATES:

TBD

TIME/AGES:

Time: TBD (Ages 5 – 12)

TIME/AGES:

Time: TBD (Ages 13 – 17)

FEES:

$75/Member $110/NonMember


Spend Sunday afternoons making new friends, creating take-home art projects, enjoying music and song, and participating in gym and swim activities. Children and teens will have the opportunity to enhance their self-esteem, improve social skills and develop a sense of belonging. Additional sessions may be added depending on the interest of the participants.

Yoga for the Special Child/Teen

DATES/AGES:

Date: TBD (Ages 5 – 12)

DATES/AGES:

Date: TBD (Ages 13 – 18

TIMES:

TBD

FEES:

Individual Lessons $150/Member $200/NonMember
Small Group $100/Member $140/NonMember


The gentle, Hatha style yoga using the internationally known Sonia Sumar method is being offered in small groups or individual instruction to introduce the child to the practice of yoga where they are able to choreograph their own yoga asanas (poses) with exciting success. Class placement will be determined by the instructor based on an assessment of each child’s abilities. Through yoga, parents, teachers, and therapists notice a change in the child/teens ability to calm their bodies, improve motor planning and increase self-confidence. Benefits of Yoga include:

Instructor: Karen Keptner, MS, OTR/L
Karen, a licensed Occupational Therapist is certified as a Yoga for the Special Child instructor.

Creative Clay Class

DATES:

TBD

TIME:

TBD

AGES:

5 - 12

FEES:

$140/Member $200/Nonmember


Clay is a fun and expressive material which enhances a child's development and creativity. Hand-building techniques, including slab, coil and pinch, will be introduced to children in a stimulating and success-oriented manner. Socialization and increasing independent skills will also be emphasized. The cost for the course includes clay, glazes and firing.

Instructor: Barbara DiScenna, ATR-BC
Barbara is a certified art therapist with years of experience working as an Art Therapist with children of varying abilities.

Dalcroze Eurhythmics

DATES:

TBD

TIME/AGES

Time: TBD  (Ages 3 – 5)

TIME/AGES

Time: TBD (Ages 6 – 12)

FEES:

$75/Member $110/NonMember


Through this popular “rhythmic gymnastics” class children are encouraged to explore music through movement and song. Activities involving singing and playing develop listening, creative improvisation and coordination skills.

Instructor: Tomoko Kato
Tomoko, an accomplished pianist and musician is currently on the staff of The Cleveland Music School.

Registration Information

Generous funding for this program has been provided by the TreuMart Fund, Saint Luke’s Foundation, The Constance M. and Philmore J. Haber Memorial Fund of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, and the Saltzman Youth Panel of the Jewish Community Federation.