Chanuka is behind us but there are a few more months of cold winter ahead. Caring for a child with special needs during the cold winter months can be especially challenging. Being cooped up indoors, they may crave fresh air, space to run, play, and explore. While you may be eligible for respite care, the process of applying for services like OPWDD or the Children’s Waiver (HCBS) can feel daunting and overwhelming. At Yahalom, we are here to guide you through every step of the way. 

As part of the process of applying for OPWDD or Children’s waiver, a child with special needs is entitled to care management services, paid for by your insurance. A care manager’s role is to assist you in coordinating your child’s care. They help manage the various services and providers your child will need throughout their life. Additionally, care managers advocate on behalf of your child to ensure they receive the highest quality of care. Of course, not all care managers are created equal. That is why many choose to reach out to Yahalom, and we are happy to try to help them help your child. 

Find out how we can help you.

Call 212-747-8763.

Five Towns Chanukah Party

Last Sunday, was our annual Chanukah Party in Five Towns. It was an amazing event, bringing together over 150 families for a day of fun, connection, and joy.

The event created a safe, judgment-free space where families with children with special needs felt a sense of togetherness and community. It was a day to relax, bond, and celebrate their children in an uplifting environment.

Our families enjoyed delicious food from Capri, a Dr. Shnitzel show, inflatables, craft activities, a photo booth, and face painting.

We were honored to be joined by Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Assemblywomen Stacey Pheffer Amato, Assemblyman Ari Brown, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Rabbi Mordechi Kaminetsky.

Thank you to Rabbi Yeruchim Silber and Rabbi Avi Schnall for joining us!

Thank you to our awesome high school volunteers from TAG and TMM! We could not have done it without you!

Chanukah Party

We are excited to invite you to our Yahalom Family Chanukah Party, an afternoon full of fun with your whole family.

Our party will feature fun activities for children ages 3-14.

Monsey: January 5th at 4:00 PM

To RSVP, click here.

Behaviors in School vs Home

Why is it that we see that kids tend to hold it together in school, and fall apart at home letting all themselves scatter?

1. Our kids feel safe at home –’they can let their hair down’.

Round of applause to you Mommy 👏👏👏

2. Simply put, school is much more structured than home.

A testament to your normal home, you don't live in a boot camp.

3. Kids have more focused adults overseeing them in school. Teachers are paid to be fully focused on their students. They don't have dinner to make, groceries to buy, laundry to fold, dishes to wash at the same time as they are supervising their students.

4. Kids have much more downtime at home. More time for trouble. 😵‍💫

5. Kids have super clear rules and expectations in school–this is the one point that we can try to bring home.

Choose one or two non-negotiables and set clear rules with expectations for your child.

Example: You can have dessert after you eat your dinner. I.e. no dessert if dinner is not eaten.

Hindy Teichman MSEd, BCBA, LBA has a boutique practice in Brooklyn, NY, Social Trends ABA, where she specializes in treating complex behavior challenges in children with autism. To inquire about services, Hindy can be reached at hindy@socialtrendsaba.com.

Dairy Free

An estimated 50% of Ashkenazi Jews are lactose intolerant, meaning that they lack the enzyme to digest lactose in milk. Lactose intolerance is also common among Sephardic and Mediterranean Jews. 

This is far more common then celiac disease which affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide, but is more common in Ashkenazi Jews, affecting about 1.83% of the population.

If you are trying the nutrition route for your child, it may be easier to go off dairy then gluten. Parents have shared that they found their child's mood dramatically improved.

-Pessy Nimchinsky 

Yedei Chessed Group Home

Are you seeking a nurturing environment for your daughter?

Here is a semi-independent girls/women's dorm which offers a warm and supportive community where people can thrive. They provide personalized schedules, life skills training, and opportunities for growth and independence.

For more information please call 845-425-0887 ext 212.

Red Flags and Warning Signs of Language Based Disabilities

Tal Resource Center presents, "Red Flags and Warning Signs of Language Based Disabilities."

A presentation by Dr. Lydia Soifer for preschool directors and educators

When: Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 9:30 AM- 11:30 AM

Where: Tal Academy, 134-01 Rockaway Beach Blvd, 11694

For more information, 516-218-1929 or trc@talacademy.org.

Special Needs Estate Planning

For all parents of children with disabilities

Featuring: Malkie Scher, ESQ

Guardianship & Special Needs Planning Attorney at Moskowitz Legal Group

Wednesday, January 8th at 10:30 AM

1295 Broadway, Hewlett NY 11557

Zoom option available

For more information, email 17@moskowitzlegalgroup.com or call 212-419-0118 ext 117

Ombudsman (OPWDD)

The new Ombudsman program, led by the Community Service Society of New York (CSSNY), is now available to assist people with developmental disabilities and their families. This independent program helps resolve concerns, navigate service barriers, and advocate for better access and understanding of rights within the OPWDD system.

While care managers and Care Coordination Organizations remain the primary points for service coordination, the Ombudsman program offers support when existing processes fall short. CSSNY brings extensive experience in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and managing statewide ombudsman programs.

In other words, if you are having issues with OPWDD, you can reach out to the Ombudsman program.

For assistance, call 1-800-762-9290 or email idd@cssny.org.

Child Health Plus

As of February 1, 2025, Child Health Plus is required to provide HCBS (Children's Waiver) services This means if your child has serious emotional services or complex medical needs, he can get the respite services he needs without switching to Medicaid.

NYSED Complaint

Many people feel that they have unsuccessfully tried to work with their district to get the services their child needs in their IEP/ IESP. Here is a way to submit a complaint directly to NYS. This skips the district step and goes straight to the state. We have seen some success with it, and hope that it is successful for you.

This is relevant for all districts, including Rockland.

Words from Our Amazing Avigail Schiffmiller

Many times as parents, we wonder how we can help our children. Sometimes, the best way is to hear it from the child themselves. Click below to read an article written by Avigail Schiffmiller (a middle school student with ASD) discussing middle school, and how she feels about it.