developmental disabilities Archives - Westchester Jewish Community Services

The Intersection of Trauma & Developmental Disabilities

Miriam Arond2025-04-01T14:06:04-04:00April 1st, 2025|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: mental health training, mental health course, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, developmental disabilities, Trauma, Nonprofit, Mental Health, Westchester|

In order to enable clinicians to better serve this unique client population, this course will: provide information on how trauma may present differently in the developmental disability population compared to neurotypicals, encourage participants to think critically about how traumatic experiences might be experienced through the lens of a person with developmental disabilities, and identify ways in which current evidence-based interventions for trauma could be adapted for this population of clients.

Voting On the Spectrum: Empowering Neurodiverse Voices in the Electoral Process
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Voting On the Spectrum: Empowering Neurodiverse Voices in the Electoral Process

Miriam Arond2024-10-08T15:22:57-04:00October 8th, 2024|Categories: Disabilities, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal|Tags: neurodiverse, voting, special needs, spectrum, intellectual disabilites, IDD, developmental disabilities, Autism|

By: Nicholas R. Primavera, MS, MBA, Program Coordinator of WJCS Shelanu & Supper Club Voting in any election can be scary and anxiety provoking. Voting is a fundamental right and a vital aspect of public participation, but for individuals on the autism spectrum, the process can present unique challenges. From understanding complex ballot language to navigating crowded polling places, these obstacles can sometimes discourage participation. However, with proper resources, support, and understanding, voting can become an accessible and empowering experience for everyone. In this article, I will explain some of the challenges I have observed, along with some of the ...

Exciting News from our WJCS Vocational Programs
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Exciting News from our WJCS Vocational Programs

Miriam Arond2024-06-27T16:31:05-04:00June 27th, 2024|Categories: Disabilities, Feature, Featured Homepage, Featured Internal, General|Tags: vocational programs, supper club, taft center, skill-building, job preparation, Shelanu, intellectual disabilites, IDD, White Plains, developmental disabilities, Autism|

We are thrilled to share exciting news from WJCS’s vocational training program, which promotes skill-building for young adults with autism in preparation for the workplace. Two participants, Lindsay and Andrew, have achieved a significant milestone by moving forward to new opportunities. Their success showcases how our unique approach to job preparation can transform lives. Congratulations to Lindsay and Andrew! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things they will accomplish next. WJCS’s Vocational Program offers classes for residents in documentation preparation, scanning, and file organization management. These classes are held at our Taft Center in White Plains and are ...

Helping People with Disabilities Enjoy a Full Life
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Helping People with Disabilities Enjoy a Full Life

Miriam Arond2024-02-22T09:57:25-05:00February 20th, 2024|Categories: Disabilities, Mental Health, Feature, Featured Homepage, General|Tags: special needs, intelletual and developmental disabilities, nonprofit westchester, IDD, intellectual disabilities, community residences, developmental disabilities, Disabilities, Autism, Westchester|

People with disabilities tend to experience loneliness and social isolation at significantly higher rates than people without disabilities. They are also at a higher risk for experiencing trauma. Loneliness is a particularly significant driver of poor well-being among people with a disability. Interventions to reduce loneliness make a huge impact. The adults we serve are eager to lead rich, full lives—but they need support. They need help with life skills, like time management and helping with household chores to the best of their ability. They need vocational counseling and opportunities for recreation, socialization, and community involvement. And, some individuals need significant daily care. "All of us ...

Edythe Kurz Educational Institute Conference 2023

Miriam Arond2023-11-08T10:50:45-05:00November 6th, 2023|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: neurodevelopment, wjcs ed institute, kurz conference 2023, jason fogler, gail corneau, ADHD, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, developmental disabilities, Trauma|

The Intersection of Trauma & Developmental Disabilities Thursday, December 7, 2023 9am - 12pm, via Zoom Keynote Speaker: Jason Fogler, Ph.D. Senior Psychologist/Co-Director: ADHD Program | Division of Developmental Medicine; Director | Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & related Disabilities; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics & Psychology | Harvard Medical School; Boston Children’s Hospital | Brain, Mind, & Behavior Center Workshops: Supporting our Patients’ and Students’ Success: A Practical & Trauma-Sensitive Approach by Jason Fogler, Ph.D. Trauma-Focused Treatment for an Adolescent with Developmental Disabilities: A Case Example by Gail Corneau, Ph.D. REGISTER HERE 2.5 CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS ARE AVAILABLE Westchester Jewish Community Services ...

The DD Diagnoses and Community Mental Health

Miriam Arond2025-03-26T13:14:23-04:00September 15th, 2023|Categories: Courses, Mental Health|Tags: community mental health, mental health training, mental health course, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, developmental disabilities, Nonprofit, Mental Health, Westchester|

Almost all clinicians who are in a general practice setting either in the community, or a school or hospital are finding they need skills in recognizing developmental disorders and adapting treatment strategies to meet the needs of individuals who are either on the spectrum or have cognitive challenges. This course is designed to review the fundamental aspects of these diagnoses, including changes in the DSM 5-TR.

What We Stand For
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What We Stand For

Grace Oshin2022-06-08T12:03:04-04:00January 3rd, 2022|Categories: Featured Internal, General|Tags: developmental disabilities, leadership, Community, Seniors, Geriatric Care, Jewish Programs, Youth, Families, Nonprofit, Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Westchester|

Founded in 1943, Westchester Jewish Community Services has grown to be one of the largest nonprofit human service organizations in Westchester and the largest provider of licensed outpatient community mental health services in the county. Our values guide our work—the state-of-the-art programs and services we offer with compassion to more than 20,000 people of all ages and backgrounds throughout Westchester County. WJCS is driven by the spirit of “tikkun olam”–repairing the world. By providing care and support, we work to help Westchester residents of all ages and backgrounds who are struggling to heal, develop skills, build resilience, and lead ...