March 24, 1998

At a time when the Jewish community is increasing its outreach to the developmentally disabled population, the Orthodox Union’s (OU) Yachad Program is offering a unique support group to meet the needs of adult siblings of the developmentally disabled.

The monthly group will address the complex emotional, psychological and practical challenges facing siblings including long term planning for the special brother or sister, accessing alternative living residences, and sibling responsibilities. Open to siblings ages 18 and over, the group, which is expected to start soon, will be held at the OU’s headquarters in Manhattan at 333 Seventh Avenue.

Yachad, a division of the OU’s National Council for the Disabled (NJCD), has been hosting programs for siblings of the developmentally disabled for the past few years. This past January, Yachad hosted the Third Annual Sibling Shabbaton (weekend retreat) for the developmentally disabled and their siblings.

Response to the support group, which will be led by qualified professionals with experienced in working with the developmentally disabled population and their families, has been overwhelming.

"I am interested in joining this group to see other siblings who are going through similar frustrations," said Malka Ottenstein from Forest Hills, Queens, the married sibling of 19-year-old developmentally disabled Avi. "My parents aren’t going to live forever. My sister and I have to look out for Avi’s future. A support group would be helpful to let us know that we’re not the only ones." Ottenstein is particularly interested in discussing issues regarding sexuality and marriage and living opportunities for individuals with special needs.

"The developmentally disabled population has a right to be part of the larger community. In order to facilitate long-term and permanent inclusion, we must not only deal directly with the developmentally disabled, we must work closely with their family members as well," said Eta Levenson, Assistant Director, NJCD. "Not so long ago, mentally and physically handicapped Jews were isolated and largely unknown to the Jewish community. Due to the groundbreaking efforts of Yachad, there is increasing awareness and understanding in the Jewish community of the developmentally disabled," Levenson added.

Founded with a small chapter in 1983, Yachad is now a national movement with 30 chapters throughout the United States and Canada and a leading resource center providing information and referral services for those with special needs in the Jewish community. Yachad provides a unique range of social, recreational and religious activities including weekend retreats, holiday celebrations, Torah Study groups, tours and publications. The only organization of its kind, Yachad bridges the chasm

between the disabled and non-disabled populations by hosting interactive programs that shatter prevailing stereotypes.

For more information, please call the NJCD at (212) 613-8229.

COMMENTS? SUGGESTIONS?