
Inclusion Means Belonging
Inclusion
Inclusion is the feeling of being accepted, needed, supported, valued, and welcomed by our community. All individuals, including people with disabilities, deserve to feel equally at home at the Bender JCC and the Bender JCC commits to fully including individuals with disabilities throughout our campus and programs.
We offer inclusive programs designed to bring people with and without disabilities together in a shared experience and adaptive programs, specifically tailored for people with disabilities. Through inclusive programs, we remove barriers to participation, allowing people of all abilities to learn, grow, and connect, while our adaptive programs offer specialized content to give targeted learning opportunities to people with disabilities.



Classes
Brain Builders is an enrichment class designed for preschool-age children, offering engaging activities to improve their executive function, self-regulation, and social-emotional awareness skills.
Brain Builders is a hands-on, play-based class for kindergarten through second graders that turns curiosity into confidence. Through fun activities and challenges, kids develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and social-emotional strategies that help them succeed in school and beyond.
Empowering Friendship is a neurodivergent affirming social skills group for teenagers. Each week students will develop skills such as self advocacy, social problem solving, and self esteem. Our goal is to help each of them to gain independence.
Games & Connect is a structured, inclusive program designed for middle school students with disabilities to build social and emotional skills in a fun, supportive environment. Through guided play using a variety of board games, card games, and interactive group activities, participants practice meaningful skills while connecting with peers. Games & Connect fosters confidence, independence, and social connection—helping participants strengthen essential life skills while having fun and building friendships.
Pop Star Playbook is a high-energy singing and dancing class for teens! Participants pick their favorite pop artists — Britney, Taylor, BTS, whoever they’ve been belting out in the car — and spend time working on songs, choreography, and stage presence with ArtStream’s teaching artists. Every skill level is welcome, and the class is built so every learner feels supported and celebrated. Sing or dance or both!
Real World Ready will provide instruction in life skills, vocational skills, leisure skills, and social skills to teenagers and young adults with disabilities, aged 13-17. These lessons will be delivered in a small group setting with a 2:10 teacher-to-student classroom ratio.
Real World Ready 2 is designed to help participants build essential skills for success in the workplace and everyday life. Through engaging, hands-on activities, participants will practice money management, customer service, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, workplace etiquette, and professionalism. This class will provide opportunities to build confidence, increase independence, and develop practical skills that can be used in real-world settings.
Get in the game with this fun, inclusive adaptive sports class! Athletes will build foundational skills, stay active, boost confidence, and connect with teammates in a supportive environment. Each session is filled with movement, encouragement, and plenty of chances to play, learn, and celebrate progress together.
Indulge in delicious desserts that are as good for your health as they are for your taste buds! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn to make a variety of nutritious treats using wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients! Open to ages 13-21.
A fun, neurodivergent-affirming hangout where teens can relax, be themselves, and make connections! Each session is filled with games, karaoke, and interactive activities designed to spark laughter, build friendships, and create a welcoming space for everyone to unwind and have a great time.
Inclusive Resources Around The Bender JCC
Our community’s legacy of belonging began in 1979, founded on the belief that our community benefits when it embraces people of all abilities and create a welcoming community for all individuals regardless of abilities, backgrounds, and identities. We offer adaptive and inclusive programming and accommodations and support services intentionally designed for individuals with disabilities of all ages and their families. Together, we strive to create a fully inclusive community and remove barriers to participation, allowing people of all abilities to belong, connect, and grow.
The Gudelsky Exceptional Swim Program helps children, teens, and adults with orthopedic-related disabilities enjoy aquatics. We connect expert program coordinators, physical therapists, adaptive water instructors, and volunteers with participants and their caregivers to teach swimming basics.
The Gudelsky Exceptional Swim Program creates a caring and dedicated community where people of differing abilities gather weekly in a judgment-free environment to have fun in the water and support each other.
The Bender JCC’s Health and Fitness center has adaptive equipment to support individuals who may need additional support. With adjustable and removable seats, as well as upper body ergometers (hand cycles) – members in wheelchairs and walkers will be able to move freely and maximize their workout in our space.
In addition, we are continually investing in recumbent equipment with accessible transfer heights; weighted balls, tubing, and dumbbells in various sizes and textures; and adaptive fitness classes to meet every
athlete’s needs.
Lessans Camp JCC is a place where every camper—regardless of ability—can experience the joys of summer camp, driven by Jewish values. Our inclusion program ensures every individual feels connected and they truly belong in our community.
Kochavim — an award-winning inclusion program for teens and young adults with disabilities (ages 12 – 21) — invites campers of all abilities to experience the joys of summer camp by ensuring they can participate fully in all activities right alongside neurotypical campers.
The Bender JCC is excited to announce the implementation of the RightHear accessible wayfinding system, becoming the first fitness center in the United States to deploy this innovative technology throughout its facility.
RightHear is more than a navigation tool. It is an accessibility platform that transforms visual information into real-time spoken guidance, making public spaces easier to understand and navigate. Using the free RightHear smartphone app and a network of camera-readable RightHear Markers installed throughout our building, visitors can receive spoken information about their surroundings, identify nearby destinations, and confidently navigate our campus.
J Circle
Community, connections, and friendships are essential to our happiness. For many adults, finding avenues to make friends can be challenging. J Circle will encompass a variety of experiences for adults with disabilities. J Circle programming will offer both an event for participants and a separate event for parents and caregivers on the same date and time.
Our J-Circle Program offers free weekly lunches on Monday and Wednesdays, as well as many other events throughout the year for social connection, new memories and memorable experiences.



Accommodations and Support Services
All Bender JCC programs are open to everyone, and we provide accommodations for all programs. The Bender JCC strives to go above and beyond with our accommodations, including but not limited to providing 1:1 support, support with activities of daily living, and accessible facilities that exceed ADA standards.
If you or your loved one requires accomodations or support services to participate in a Bender JCC event, class, or program, or if you have any concerns or questions, please contact [email protected].