PJ Library of Kansas City and Sasone, the community’s program to support access to Jewish education for students with special needs, are hosting a joint event on Sunday, June 25.
The PJ Library & Sasone Playdate will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Kehilath Israel Synagogue, 10501 Conser, in Overland Park. The event will focus on celebrating what makes each person unique or b'tzelem eloheim (made in the divine image). Families are invited to learn about ways to discuss neurodiversity with their kids through songs, crafts, activities, and play.
Featuring the book "It's OK to be Different," by PJ Library author Todd Parr, the event will include music and movement from Laura Sternberg Payne, centers with hands-on lessons, and an interactive sensory space.
Lindsey Lipsky, Sasone director, said it’s important for children and adults to learn about disability and neurodiversity.
"Kids often have questions, whether it be about someone who looks different than them or who may act differently,” she said. “In my experience, it's always better to answer those questions rather than avoid them."
According to Lipsky, it’s said that nearly one in five students have some type of learning, language, attention, or behavior difference, and experts say the best way to help create more inclusive communities is by having open and honest conversations. Part of the event will be discussing concrete strategies for having hard discussions with young kids and families.
"That is the work of Sasone and why the PJ Library/Sasone event is so important - it's a form of proactive inclusion teaching the way kids learn best, through play,” she said.
The event is for all kids in the community, not just those with special needs. Thanks to a gift from the White Family Foundation, this event is free to the public, but space is limited. Registration can be done at jewishkansascity.org/playdate.