SERVICES FOR PEOPLE
WITH DISABILITIES
E ducation
See the Jewish Education chapter for the synagogue-based education
programs for children with special needs.

Whole Community Inclusion
Jewish Learning Venture
261 Old York Road, Suite 720 • Jenkintown, PA 19046
215-320-0360 • Fax: 215-635-8946 • gkaplan-mayer@jewishlearningventure.org
jewishlearningventure.org Engages people with special needs, and their families, and supports their
ability to access a range of Jewish educational and religious experiences from
early childhood through the transition to adulthood. Learning opportunities
throughout the year are offered for families, educators and community
members and leaders.

OROT Program
7601 Old York Road • Melrose Park, PA 19027
215-935-0020 • info@orotkids.org • orotkids.org
Supports special needs education in Jewish day schools for children whose
needs cannot be met by a resource room. In conjunction with host day schools,
OROT personnel set policy, create and supervise programs, provide financial
support and advocate for services provided to children with special needs.

OROT seeks to provide the best possible curriculum within a supportive and
inclusive environment.

P’TACH (Parents for Torah for All Children)
P.O. Box 141 • Merion Station, PA 19066
215-477-7123 • PtachPhiladelphia@gmail.com • ptach.org
Provides educational services for children with learning differences who require
support to maintain themselves in area Jewish day schools. Provides resource
room funding and tutorials.

E mployment P rograms
JEVS Human Services
441 N. Fifth St., second floor • Philadelphia, PA 19114
215-341-5626 • jevshumanservices.org
hireAbility hireAbility@jevs.org
Offers individuals with disabilities — as well as those living with
chronic diseases — assistance in preparing for competitive employment.

Customized services include vocational assessments, career track
identification, along with job development, placement and coaching.

Project Success
projectsuccess@jevs.org Offers young adults with Asperger’s syndrome or pervasive
development disorder a transition to employment. A comprehensive
approach supports these young adults through all phases, including
development of socialization, one-on-one job development, job
placement and personal-interaction skills.

Student Transition Services
267-350-8675 • student@jevs.org • jevshumanservices.org/STS
Offers group training and individual work-based learning experiences
for high school students with disabilities in the early stages of their tran-
sition from school to work. Assessment process pairs strengths, values,
barriers and interests with job shadowing and internships toward a goal
of competitive integrated employment.

H ousing
JEVS Human Services
9350 Ashton Road, Suite 201 • Philadelphia, PA 19114
267-350-8600 • Fax: 215-255-4777 • jevshumanservices.org
Community Homes • clhs@jevs.org
Offers individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to live
with independence and dignity. Staff provides specialized 24-hour support
for one to three individuals per residence. The Community Homes
promote each individual’s interests and abilities, with an emphasis on
community involvement, stability and maintaining important ties to
family and loved ones. Homes are located in the Mount Airy, the North-
east and Frankford sections of Philadelphia and in Montgomery County.

Community Residential Rehabilitation Services
Offers individuals diagnosed with a mental health disorder a home and
trained staff focused on helping them become more self-sufficient and
prepared for independence and everyday life in the community. Resi-
dents agree on goals annually and receive the assistance to meet these
goals. It is the mission of this program to graduate residents to a more
independent living situation. communityresidentialservices@jevs.org.

Life Sharing
Offers individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to live
with the support of a loving and caring family within the community
and to more fully integrate into the community. This form of adult foster
care helps individuals build relationships with new families and make
new connections and friends. lifesharing@jevs.org
Tikvah Residence
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
tikvah@jevs.org • jevshumanservices.org/program/tikvah-residence
Offers affordable housing for adults with mental health conditions. Res-
idents enjoy the privacy of independent apartment living within a sup-
portive community. JEVS staff organizes activities and provides services
to help each resident lead an active and healthy life. All apartment units
are currently occupied.

S ocial and S upport P rograms
Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia • 10100 Jamison Ave. • Philadelphia, PA
215-698-7300, ext. 195 • Fax: 215-673-7447 • igulko@kleinlife.org
Offers social and educational activities, a support group and life skills classes
for visually impaired adults. Transportation is available through ParaTransit.

Chai Lifeline
732-719-1700 • Fax: 723-886-0065 • nj@chailifeline.org • chailifeline.org/nj
Provides seriously ill children and their families in Pennsylvania care and assis-
tance. Maintains a network of psychosocial support programs including medical
referrals, insurance support services, emotional support groups, homebound
tutorial programs, special trips and holiday festivities, toys and family retreats.

Offers a summer camping program called Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha
Special. The program offers a daily shuttle service from New Jersey locations
to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and accommodations at Chai House,
an apartment located near the hospital. The newest addition is a fully stocked
kosher pantry in the hospital.

THE GUIDE 2018/2019
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