New Jersey Yachad will present a Special Needs Parent Conference and Resource Fair on Sunday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at The Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, 666 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge.
Yachad/National Jewish Council for Disabilities (NJCD), an agency of the Orthodox Union now celebrating its 25th anniversary, is dedicated to enhancing life for those with disabilities and providing for their inclusion in the larger Jewish community.
Dr. Jeffrey Lichtman, Director of Yachad/NJCD, declared, “We are increasingly doing more and more of these all-day family and professional fairs where we bring together leading experts in the different areas of mental health, disabilities, and psychology and parents due to the ever-increasing need for parents to have this type of information readily available. We find it provides hope and encouragement for families as they face the day-to-day challenges of raising children with special needs, and to help them reach their maximum potential.”
The keynote speaker will be Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski, noted author and psychiatrist. He will speak on “Community Rejection of My Child and Community Acceptance of My Child. What Can I Do?”
Workshops will follow Rabbi Twerski’s address, and will include topics on emotional challenges in children with dual diagnosis; choosing a school placement; social skills development; medication; estate and financial planning; vocational training; and intervention for autism. Presenters of the workshops include Dr. Lichtman; Dr. Michelle Orgel, Yachad Coordinator of Family and Clinical Services; Dr. Ronen Hizami; Mrs. Judy Karp; and Dr. Mark Freilich, among others, all of whom work with the special needs population.
Mrs. Susan Newman will be the keynote speaker during lunch, and will discuss “My Journey with Steven,” about her experience navigating the world of special needs. Mrs. Newman’s son, Steven, passed away over a year ago.
Chani Herrmann, Director of NJ Yachad, stated, “NJ Yachad has expanded programming in the area to so much more than just social recreational programs. In addition to the ongoing support groups for parents and siblings, we are now offering a one-day conference where parents can come and network with one another and learn from top professionals through a variety of workshops geared towards helping their child with special needs succeed. We are fortunate to have great speakers, and this is a conference that parents should not miss.”
The Conference will have child care for children ages 2-6, and a fun sibling program for children ages 7-13 years old. There will also be a Yachad program for those with special needs, ages 5-16.
Cost of the program is $25 per adult, and includes a dairy lunch. The cost for a family is $36, and includes lunch and child care services.
To register and pay online, visit www.njcd.org/naim/event/njparentconference. For more information, contact Chani Herrmann at 201-833-1349.