Hosted by Federation’s Commission for Jewish Education (CJE), the Anita & Robert ᶻ”ˡ Naftaly Day of Awareness is designed for anyone touched by disabilities and those interested in enhancing safe, supportive and inclusive environments.
Complimentary camp-style child care is available during the Day of Awareness with advance registration. A special thank you to Mandel JCC for making this possible.
Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Preparatory School,
5225 Hood Road, Palm Beach Gardens
FREE EVENT
Registration and breakfast: 9:30 a.m.
Program: 10 a.m. | Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
2024 Day of Awareness is dedicated to the memory of Robert H. Naftaly z”l
A long-time supporter and member of our community, Bob was a current member of the Jewish Federation Board of Directors and over the years has served on numerous committees that have been vital to guiding our organization and all of Jewish Palm Beach.
As many could attest, he was most dedicated about supporting his wife, Anita, and her passion for special needs education in the Jewish community. In their honor, Day of Awareness was renamed in 2022 and is a tremendous legacy, providing support and resources to those with special needs and their family as well as educators and community advocates.
FEATURED KEYNOTE: Haley Moss
Assembly Required: From Nonspeaking to Attorney and Beyond
Autism does not come with an instruction manual, but there are tools to build an amazing life. During this inspiring keynote, we will hear from Haley Moss, a nonspeaking child, diagnosed with autism at age of three who is now an extremely talented author, artist, attorney and advocate.
Explore Haley’s journey to find her voice and her “village.” We look to a future filled with hope, inspiration, and excitement for neurodiverse individuals. Haley will explore neurodiversity, acceptance as well as her unique perspective on how society views autism and related disabilities. Get a sneak peek into Haley’s story via this feature on the TODAY Show.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS – PLEASE SELECT TWO IN THE REGISTRATION FORM:
Speaker: Sara Bookspan, MS, BCBA, IBA
Explore practical strategies to help neurodivergent adults navigate the online world with confidence and safety. This session will cover key topics such as recognizing online scams, managing social media interactions, and maintaining privacy and security. This talk is designed for families and caregivers looking to support digital independence while ensuring a safe, positive online experience. Bookspan is the founder of Behavior Shapes, helping to educate and empower parents through joyful and creatively inspired strategies.
Speakers: Dr. Kim Berryhill, SEDNET and Lissette Martinez, Florida Diagnostic Learning and Resource Center
During this session, you will learn how to enhance effective partnerships between home and school settings. This includes navigating organizational structure, using effective communication skills, and promoting advocacy skills for children and adults while maintaining cultural sensitivity.
Speaker: The Hedelund Family, Autism Society of Florida
Join this dynamic session to learn about the valuable relationship between first responders and people living with unique abilities. This session is led by the Hedelund family, including 17-year-old Dalton and his brother Martin, both who were diagnosed with autism at age two-and-a-half are now thriving, straight-A high school students.
Speaker: Marisa Hughes, LCSW
A powerful opportunity for parents to learn mindset shifts and evidence-based tools for emotion regulation and practical coping skills to support themselves and their children.
Speaker: Aaron Kaufman, Jewish Federations of North America
The world is a lot more accessible today than in the past, yet harmful misconceptions and stigma surrounding people with disabilities inhabit their ability to be full members of society. Learn about how far we have come and what more we can do.
Speakers: Katherine Murphy, NAMI Palm Beach County and Patrick Heidmann, Disability Rights Florida
An interactive session on the intersection of mental health conditions and other disabilities, this workshop will explore the connotations of mental health symptoms, and how mental health is treated differently from other family issues. This session dives into empathy and self-care strategies.
Speaker: Emily Schmitz, ARC Broward
The desire to have a sense of belonging and the opportunity to experience, learn, work, and enjoy life is universal. This session will explore how adults with disabilities can confidently and safely navigate and engage within their communities, while offering caregivers practical tips and tools to promote and support their loved ones’ independence.
Speaker: Katie Wentley, Autism Society of America
As a result of wandering, did you know that drowning accounts for 91 percent of deaths in autistic individuals ages three to fourteen? Water safety skills and preventative strategies play an integral role in increasing safety for those with autism. This session will provide strategies to identify the potential precursors to wandering, how to safeguard homes, and help develop a safety plan.
*Educators can also earn in-service hours for this program.
For more information, please contact Aline DeSouza at aline.desouza@jewishpalmbeach.org or 561.242.6675.
Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is committed to providing universal access to our events whenever possible. Please contact our Disability Navigator at jdn@jewishpalmbeach.org or 561.209.2614 to discuss reasonable accommodations. Some accommodations such as scheduling an interpreter may require prior notice of one week before the event date.
Day of Awareness Committee
Kayla Cove
Josh Gorfinkle
Betsy Guilboa
Robin Huebner
Johnathan Kabot
Felicia Katz
Judi Kramer
Tami Lustig
Anita Naftaly
Elaine Rotenberg
Elyse Schwartz
Betsy Schwartz
Gretchen Vogel
Community Partners
