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Kehillah Special Needs

Inclusive Programming for All Ages and Abilities

Kehillah, the Special Needs Department of the Springfield JCC, provides quality recreational, social, and enrichment programming for children, teens, and adults with different abilities. We strive to foster a welcoming, safe, nurturing, and inclusive space where participants can build self-esteem, increase independence, improve social skills, cultivate meaningful relationships, and experience new places and things.

Kehillah is supported in part by the Sadye Silver Fund, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the Korn family, and the JCC inFUND.

Come to Inclusion Camp for a summer of fun!

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Sensory-Friendly Swim Hour

Every Tuesday 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

An hour of pool time set aside each week for our Kehillah friends who might benefit from a supportive, low-sensory swim environment.

Individuals with Autism, other sensory processing and/or physical challenges can enjoy floating, lap swim, and relaxation in an environment free from busy swim programs and overwhelming sensory input. Enjoy the water at your pace with access to sensory-friendly pool toys, therapy noodles, fidgets, kickboards, and water-resistant headphones, or bring your own Coast Guard approved flotation aids.

This program is for all ages. Swimmers under 18 will need a parent/guardian in the pool alongside them at all times.

Normal facility rates apply: Members: FREE. General Public: $10 drop-in fee.

Upcoming Kehillah Programs

Upcoming Kehillah Events

Inclusive Programming

Inclusion Camp

The Springfield JCC’s ACA-accredited inclusion camp program meets the unique needs of campers with different abilities so that they can have the best possible summer camp experience. We strive to fully integrate children with mild to moderate disabilities into regular camp programming by offering individualized support and activity modifications.

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Adaptive Aquatics

Participants will have access to our outstanding aquatics facility, which features a heated indoor 6-lane pool. Entry to the pool includes stairs, ladder, and handicap lift access. 

Adaptive aquatics lessons have resumed and we are currently operating off a waitlist. If you would like to fill out our interested form and be added to our waitlist, please click here.

Adaptive Aquatics Lesson Rates

Number of Sessions JCC Member Pricing General Public Pricing
Ten Sessions (30-Minute Lessons) $250 $325

 

Kehillah Programs

Our Kehillah programs are designed for individuals of all age levels with different abilities. These programs are designed to enhance social, emotional, and physical skills while providing a safe, supervised, and nurturing environment. Highlights include our social groups, music making, and virtual international tours.

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Project R.I.D.E.

Through our Project R.I.D.E. (recreation, independence, development, and equipment) program, the Springfield JCC loans modified tricycles to children and young adults with different abilities. We recognize the importance of offering recreational adaptive tricycles to those with unique needs so that they can participate in bike riding with their friends and family. Participants must be at least 44” tall and families must be able to transport the tricycle to and from the J once a year for an annual tune-up.

Interested in this program?

In order to be considered for one of our modified tricycles, please complete the following steps:

  1. Download our application and complete it in its entirety, especially the accurate height and weight of your child.
  2. Acquire a signed note form your child’s doctor, physician, or physical/occupational therapist stating that this is an appropriate activity for them to participate in.
  3. Return completed forms and signed doctor’s note to the J (1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA, 01108) or sending it via fax at (413) 739-4747.
  4. Book an appointment to pick up your tricycle! After all of your paperwork has been received, you will be contacted to confirm receipt of the paperwork and we’ll let you know when a tricycle becomes available.

Participants must be at least 44″ tall.  Families must be able to transport the tricycle to and from the J once a year for an annual tune-up.

SensiPlay

Facilitated by a Registered Occupational Therapist and four Occupational Therapy students, our SensiPlay sessions focus on socialization through OT strategies using a variety of activities. Our newly renovated sensory gym at the Springfield JCC includes multi-therapeutic swings, a ball pit, a plethora of fine motor tools, and additional gross motor equipment.

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Want to learn more about Kehillah special needs programming?

Contact Bridget Jones, Director of Inclusion and Membership Administration, for more information.

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