Since it began in 1985, the Council For Jews With Special Needs has been praised for developing a national model for a “single point of entry” service system that provides the assistance necessary to enable Jews with special needs to celebrate the spiritual, educational, social and cultural aspects of Judaism. 

The Council introduced and provides the supports for special education classes and participation at all grade levels (preschool through adult classes) in Jewish schools.  Our inclusion consultants offer their assistance to every local Jewish camp and youth group. Our social and educational programs for teens and adults, Yad B’Yad and Keshet, provide continuing opportunities for those whose developmental disabilities require specialized instruction and supervision.  Sign language interpreters are available upon request in nearly every Jewish setting.  Family members benefit from support groups and family social gatherings that have been held over the past two decades.  The Council’s North American Disability Resources Directory of Jewish Agencies, Schools, Camps, Support Groups, Residential and Vocational Services continues to be the only Jewish-and-disabled database available to those who request information and referral in the US and Canada.  Created in 2001, Shalom House is the first Jewish group home in greater Phoenix for adults who have developmental disabilities.  Shalom House is also the meeting place for Yad B’Yad programs twice a month.

We have accomplished much in the past 20 years to enrich the lives of individuals who have disabling conditions and their families as well as to increase the awareness and sensitivity of our congregations, schools, camps and other Jewish activities.  We feel great pride in what the agency created in the past two decades to address the needs of what was an unserved portion of the Jewish community.  We plan to build on our strong foundation in order to expand the programs and services that have proven to be most successful and to assess the challenges that face us in the future. 

Our vision for the future will focus on marketing the essential programs and services we offer in order to expand our client base; maintaining and increasing the programs and staff for continuing support of Jewish individuals who have disabilities and their families; and advocating for schools and camps to provide the necessary professional staff to allow all children to benefit from a Jewish education and camp experience.  The Council For Jews With Special Needs will continue to reach out to as many Jews with special needs as possible and provide the disability resources that are not otherwise available in our Jewish community.