In recognition of the obligation to provide a religious education for all Jewish persons with special needs, the Consortium of Special Educators in Central Agencies for Jewish Education, in conjunction with the Jewish Education Service of North America (JESNA) urges all Jewish communities throughout North America to develop and support systems to:

• identify Jewish persons with special needs including individuals with developmental, learning, and behavioral, neurological, physical, medical, and sensory disabilities;

• deliver Jewish educational services to special persons that will enhance and enrich their Jewish lives and those of their families. Such services include special educational programming in early childhood; day and supplementary schools; continuing adult education programs; and programs in residential, social/recreational and camping settings;

• explore various funding sources for the provision of these services through federal, state and local government entitlements and foundations as well as local community and private sources.

The Consortium, in conjunction with JESNA, endorses this proactive approach to provide services to Jewish individuals with special needs.

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