New York, NY: December 30, 1998: With the help of a New York State grant, the National Jewish Council for the Disabled (NJCD) is launching a new program to provide Manhattan residents who have developmental disabilities with important life skills.

The NJCD’s program will offer children and adults who are mentally retarded, severely learning disabled or neurologically impaired with one-on-one training in areas ranging from personal grooming to money management.

The training, which will be provided by counselors experienced in dealing with individuals having special needs, will take place on evenings and/or on weekends. Individual need will determine the number of sessions scheduled per week.

The program, which is open to Manhattan residents, will be based in the clients’ homes. Counselors will help school-age clients with a range of skills including using public transportation, homework and social skills. Training with adult clients will focus on daily living skills (i.e. doing laundry, cleaning, cooking and grocery shopping).

"This program will enable individuals with developmental disabilities to maximize their potential, achieve greater independence and become more integrated into the broader community," said Dr. Jeff Lichtman, National Director of the NJCD.

"While there are other agencies that provide this service, we felt that as a Jewish organization, we have the sensitivity to cater to the traditional and cultural needs of the Jewish developmentally disabled," said Dr. Lichtman.

For more information on the program, please call (212) 613-8235.

The NJCD provides thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities with innovative, interactive programs. Dedicated to assisting those with special needs in the Jewish community, the National Jewish Council for the Disabled provides thousands of individuals with disabilities with innovative, interactive programs. A premier clearinghouse and national resource center, the NJCD provides social, educational and recreational mainstreamed programs, advocacy, family counseling, support services, vocational resources and job placement for individuals with special needs.