The Gesher Inclusion Program at the JCC
For differently-abled young adults with intellectual disabilities
The Gesher Inclusion Program is supported in part by the Herman and Rebecca Fineberg Fund for People with Special Needs with additional support from the Edna and Larry Abelson Fund for Special Needs, the Raymond and Elizabeth Bloch Educational and Charitable Foundation, the Ralph Davidson Special Needs Fund, the Zola Hirsch Fund for Special Needs and the Robert Spiegel Memorial Endowment Fund.
About Gesher
The Gesher program provides afternoon activities for young adults with varying physical, intellectual, developmental disabilities. We provide focused attention to each participant with an emphasis on socialization skills, physical fitness and gross motor development and life skills. Participants learn the importance of teamwork, independence and relationship building while enjoying the JCC’s fully equipped meeting rooms, dance studio, gym and swimming pool.
Activities
Activities are intended to expand participant’s horizons while increasing cognitive, communication, social and physical skills. The activity-filled afternoons offer a nice mix of new and familiar experiences for all participants.
Activities vary according to the day of the week:
- Dance Room Time includes music for dancing and singing. We also have movement games, parachute games and exercise time.
- Gym games
- Buddy Time includes activities such as puzzles, drawing and games with staff to aid our young people with social and communication skills.
- Neighborhood walks through Squirrel Hill, weather permitting
- Visits to a playground or a scavenger hunt.
- Art projects
- Swimming
- Excursions to the Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill. We sit together in the library and listen to stories.
- Sofa Time is a time to sing a couple of songs or to have a short group game before our day together ends.
Daily from 5:45 until 6 pm, we gather our coats and backpacks and head down to meet our rides to go home.
Our schedule for the most part is predictable and routine. We are also flexible as we try to keep things fresh and fun for our friends. We have found that this works best for them.
Our Staff
Gesher Special Needs Program is staffed by caring adults who get to know the participants and are able to respond to their individual needs. Each staff member has worked with the special needs population in a variety of ways and finds creative ways to nurture the participants’ appreciation of art, animals and music.
Registration
The best part of the Gesher Special Needs Program is the close bond that is shared by the participants with each other and with the staff. You are welcome to visit us and be a part of our activities.
All interested potential members can try Gesher Inclusion Program for a three-day trial period with their parent(s) or caregiver.
JCC membership is required to become a member of the Gesher Special Needs Program. Scholarships are available to those who qualify. Please call for information.
Violet and Joseph Soffer Foundation: Family Special Olympics
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Those activities give these individuals continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships.
Looking for more information? Check out the special olympics programs available in the state of PA, or read the fact sheet linked below.
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