In these uncertain times, the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey remains committed to supporting our Special Needs community. On this page, you will find tools and resources to help individuals with special needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Help our most vulnerable during this pandemic with the COVID-19 Response Fund

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey is committed to meeting the critical needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can help directly support individuals and families in need through the programs and services of the Jewish Federation and our family of agencies with your gift to the COVID-19 Response Fund. Thank you for your generosity during these unprecedented times. 

Click here to see a list of those who have already joined us in raising funds.


Helpful Tools

 

Assistance for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Resources are available for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more HERE.

 

ACI Coronavirus Guide for People with Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities: The NJ Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) has created a helpful guide to coronavirus for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To download the guide, click HERE.

 

Autism Science Foundation Family Resource Guide: The COVID-19 virus and resulting social distancing, school closures, and general panic are taking a unique toll on autism families. The Autism Science Foundation has compiled a list of helpful resources. To view the guide, click HERE.

 

NJ Register Ready Special Needs Disaster Registry: NJ Register Ready is a free, secure, voluntary database designed to help emergency managers and first responders plan for and support people with disabilities and access and functional needs who may need assistance in the event of a disaster. Existing NJ Register Ready customers should update their accounts if they have not done so during the past year. Accounts that are not updated annually get archived in the system. Due to the current situation with COVID-19, it is important that all accounts remain active. If you do not have a Register Ready account, please considering creating one by visiting www.registerready.nj.gov or calling 211. To update your account, click HERE.

 

Plain-Language Information for People with Special Needs: This wonderful guide about coronavirus was written FOR individuals with special needs BY individuals with special needs. It’s also great for explaining the illness to children. To view the guide, click HERE.

 

Autism Speaks:

 

National Down Syndrome Society:

 

Comic story for kids to understand the virus

 

Coronavirus Guide for People with I-DD

 

FAU CARD Guide regarding the Cornona Virus

Includes resources and a social story for children and other good things.

 

Mini Schedule or Visual Task List

 

University of Miami Social Story regarding the virus
View PDF or Video
 

 

Social-Recreational Programs: JAFCO Children’s Ability Center: The Children’s Ability Center team are offering virtual activities daily and we invite our JAFCO family to join us along with your children and grandchildren. You can simply click this link at 1:00pm for children to enjoy a variety of Live Stream & Virtual Classes provided by instructors from the Ability Center.

If you need help or want to help:

Email us at help@jfedsnj.org or call 856.673.2554.

Need a helping hand or friendly call? Need help learning Zoom, ordering a meal delivery, or picking up a small item from the store? Our Federation Friends volunteers can help with one-time requests or regular daily and weekly check-ins. At this time of uncertainty, one thing is certain: we are here to help you!

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