Amit Support Services
Programs and Services
Ability Awareness Training –A joint program of the Coordinated Network for Persons with Disabilities which includes staff from The Amit Program, Jewish Family and Career Services and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. The Network meets, discusses and takes action on issues related to the special needs community. The Ability Awareness Program is available to public and private schools, synagogues, churches and businesses.
Advocacy – Staff and volunteers advocate within the school systems, in the community and at the legislative level for laws that affect children with special needs.
Amit Parent Network – A virtual support group for Atlanta parents of children with special needs to network at their convenience with other parents through a list serve.
B’Yachad –A buddy program that provides an opportunity for young people with and without disabilities to interact socially through planned activities such as bowling and other outings. The purpose of the program is to encourage long-term friendships between the buddies.
Information and Referral – Staff is available to assist families with questions, concerns and referrals regarding their child with special needs. An Amit Educational Consultant is also available to assist schools and parents with parent-school communication and advocacy.
Learning Disability Networks – A committee comprised of special educators that provides the opportunity for teachers in Jewish day schools to discuss issues relating to teaching children who learn differently, learn new teaching techniques and engage in group problem-solving.
Learning Lab/Extended Lab – A program for children in Jewish day schools who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities. The Labs enable children to remain in the school of their choice. Through the Learning Lab program, children who would normally “fall between the cracks” of services offered, are able to receive the academic assistance that they need in order to stay enrolled in the school. Services are designed to meet the individual needs of each child.
Professional Development – The Amit Program offers seminars and classes taught by professionals in the field of special education. Teachers are educated in learning the necessary skills to work with a variety of learning styles in their classrooms.
The Taylor Family Speaker Series – A monthly opportunity for parents, professionals and educators to come together to network with each other as well as hear from professionals in the field of special education and parenting.
Resource Center/Technological Support – A library that offers a place to review books, videos, curriculum ideas and other materials related to learning differently. Amit provides adaptive equipment as needed for a child to participate fully in school such as large print books, assisted listening devices and books on tape.
Yad B’Yad – Support is provided to congregational schools to ensure that children who learn differently can receive a quality Jewish education. The program provides consultative support as well as professional development for teachers and madrichim. Limited matching funds are available for on-site support.