As Salaamu Alaikum,

Bismillah,

We are very excited to bring to you another new program at the Islamic Society of Central Jersey...a program for children with special needs (disabilities). This may turn into a monthly program; but we will decide that after we see the interest at the first meeting.

THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC EVENT. IT IS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS. YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND THIS PROGRAM:
http://tinyurl.com/ISCJ-Program4Disabled

Introduction:
One out of every 20 children aged 14 or younger - 93 million kids around the world—are living with a moderate or severe disability of some kind. Many are invisible, excluded from school, hidden by their families and abandoned by their governments and/or communities. We believe that regardless of ability, all children have a right to reach their full potential. Each one of these children is more than a statistic; each child is a son or daughter, brother or sister, friend or classmate. Each should have the same rights and opportunities as any other child. The unfortunate truth is that they do not. Children with special needs (disabilities) are targets of discrimination, exclusion, stigmatization, neglect, exploitation, violence and abuse. Worst of all, children with special needs (disabilities) are too often invisible—ignored by governments and communities.

At the Islamic Society of Central Jersey, we believe that children with special needs (disabilities) deserve equal dreams and equal lives. We believe in ZERO discrimination against children with special needs (disabilities). Children belong at the center of efforts to build inclusive societies, not simply as recipients of charity, but as agents of change.

This program aims to bring children with special needs (disabilities) and families together for social and spiritual connection and/or support. We pray that the children with special needs and families will find friendship and form bonds that extends beyond the Masjid. Our vision with this program is to bring our children with special needs (disabilities) out of hiding and/or seclusion, as they are part of our community and our Masjid.

About the speaker:
Deepa Srinivasavaradan works for the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN). "Learn the Signs. Act Early." is a program of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and Deepa is the Ambassador to NJ for that program. In this role, she speaks to families and professionals to create awareness about healthy developmental milestones that young children should be achieving and highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and early screening of young children using validated screening tools. Deepa also share resources on how parents can monitor milestones development and what they can do when developmental concerns are identified.



Contact:
Shanaz Hoossain – Persaud (Program Coordinator)
shanaz.persaud@iscj. External Event Url
Islamic Society of Central Jersey (Official)
4145 US-1, Monmouth Junction, NJ, United States