Disability Program Services ⋆ JCC Tucson

Disability Program Services

The Tucson J is one of Southern Arizona’s largest providers of disability services. Through our day program, summer camp, and vocational programming, we offer high-quality and engaging experiences dedicated to strengthening independence and supporting each participant’s goals.

Check out the Schnitzer Family's story about their journey with Disability Program Services at the Tucson J

DPS Day Program - Taglit B’yachad "Discovery Together"

Taglit B’yachad provides seventy adults with a year-round day program designed to explore, cultivate, and maximize each individual’s potential.

By emphasizing person-centered goals, health and wellness, community engagement, education, creativity, and advocacy, we work to support each participant’s development through a program spirited by Jewish values and communal harmony.

Intentional and individualized programming provides participants with daily engagement in real-world environments, combining community outings, skill-building projects, and social/cultural experiences. Participants spend weekdays exploring parks, museums, and cultural arts in the community. While on-site at the J, participants have daily access to all the J’s amenities, including the gym, pool, fitness center, art studio, and community garden.

We greatly appreciate your support. Please reach out to Fran Katz, Chief Development Officer, at fkatz@tucsonjcc.org with any questions.

Contact Charlie Paige, Sr. Director of DPS, with questions and inquiries.

EMAIL cpaige@tucsonjcc.org

PHONE 520.299.3000 – EXT 3168

The Tucson J is a Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) vendor and accepts adults who are registered with the DDD. Those who are not with DDD may pay privately. Contact Charlie Paige at cpaige@tucsonjcc.org for private pay pricing.

Arts for All

For over thirty years, Arts for All inspired adults with disabilities to participate in the arts. In 2022, Arts for All integrated with the Tucson J’s Taglit day program. In 2025, the Arts for All day program moved from its long-time Oracle location to the Tucson J, continuing its art programming as part of the J’s new fully integrated day program. The Arts for All staff and participants have made a new home at the J, where they enjoy theater, music, and art programs, along with all of the amenities the J has to offer.

Pathways to Employment (Arizona DDD Service)

Beginning in September 2026, The J’s Disability Program Services department will begin offering a new service to all eligible DDD members residing in Southern Arizona. Students will learn and practice skills in classes and internships at the J and with community partners who provide job exploration experiences.

Pathways to Employment is designed for members with all skill levels and abilities to access employment options in such a way that takes into account the member’s preferences and goals, and supports them to obtain Competitive Integrated Employment.

Options available in this service will help the Member learn the skills necessary to increase the likelihood of employment, including:

Determine their interests in being competitively employed, providing experiences and opportunities to be competitively employed to identify the types of jobs they might be interested in or excel at.
Participate in a variety of work experience to make an informed decision regarding interests/preferences and to understand skills needed to secure preferred jobs.
Achieve planning outcomes or vision for employment.
Participate in work activities that support members on their pathway to employment.
Provide flexible support as needed while members experiment with employment.

Vocational Programming

Our Vocational Program blends real work experience with guided learning to help participants build confidence, independence, and meaningful job skills through the JShop Retail Store and Coffee Cart. Participants take part in supported internships at the J, where they practice customer service, teamwork, and daily work routines. This is paired with a structured curriculum that focuses on work readiness skills like communication, self-advocacy, understanding workplace expectations, and preparing for future employment. Together, the internships and curriculum create a balanced, supportive pathway toward greater independence and career exploration.

JShop Retail Shop + Coffee Cart Hours

Monday + Wednesday | 9:30am-12pm + 1:30-2:30pm
Tuesday + Thursday | 9:30-11:30am
Tucson J Wellness Desk

Contact Charlie Paige, Sr. Director of DPS, with questions and inquiries.

EMAIL cpaige@tucsonjcc.org

PHONE 520.299.3000 – EXT 3168

Contact Missi Alston, Assistant Director of DPS, with questions and inquiries.

EMAIL malston@tucsonjcc.org

PHONE 520.622.4100 – EXT 3205

DPS Camp Programs

DPS Camp Programs at the Tucson J are for middle- and high-school-aged campers with developmental disabilities. Our programs are designed to enrich participants’ summer in a supportive, developmentally appropriate environment. Social and life skills are intentionally cultivated through a variety of fun and engaging activities, field trips, and use of Tucson J amenities, including the Aquatics Center, gymnasium, and more! Learn, play, and grow with us this summer at the J!

New campers may fill out an inquiry form at any time to join our waitlist and will be contacted for registration as spaces become available

Download DPS Camps enrollment supplement

Unit Overview - Gesher (Bridge) Middle School

Gesher (Bridge) is a full-time program that is exclusive to middle schoolers with disabilities. Designed to have similar programming to Camp J’s Tiyul program (without the overnights) with many opportunities for joint programming. Gesher campers enjoy a unique summer experience, cultivating their independence and social skills, engaging in field trips and activities, and making friends along the way.

Unit Overview - Summer Taglit (Discovery) High School

Summer Taglit (Discovery) is a camp experience for teens and young adults with disabilities who are high-school aged. Through engaging activities and summer camp programming, Summer Taglit campers are encouraged to develop new skills that meet their social, emotional, and recreational needs. By emphasizing wellness, team-building, and skill development, we strive to give our campers tools to explore their community in new and exciting ways while encouraging their individual growth.

Dates + Times

Hours of operation are 9am-4pm with no before/after care.

Camp J is a ten-week traditional day camp that runs Monday-Friday throughout the summer.

The summer 2026 camp will take place from May 26 to July 29.

Hours of operation are 9am-4pm with no before/after care.

Week 1: *5/27-5/30 *Closed Memorial Day
Week 2: 6/2-6/6
Week 3: 6/9-6/13
Week 4: 6/16-6/20
Week 5: 6/23-6/27
Week 6: * 6/30-7/3 *Closed Independence Day
Week 7: 7/7-7/11
Week 8: 7/14-7/18
Week 9: 7/21-7/25

Camp J is a 9-week traditional day camp that runs Monday-Friday* throughout the summer. Camp is closed Memorial Day, Monday, May 26 and Independence Day, Friday, July 4.

Registration, Waitlist + Pricing Information

Registration + Waitlist information:

For new and returning campers, registration opens January 4th. Please use the “DPS Summer Camp Registration” link below to begin the enrollment process.

DPS’ Summer Camp has a limited number of spots available for campers. Returning campers are asked to enroll by February 27th.

Beginning March 2nd, we will begin contacting new families in the order that they registered to begin their enrollment process. New families can only be enrolled once we hire the staff required to serve additional campers.

Please contact Charlie Paige with any questions or to set up a tour to learn more about DPS’ Summer Camp.

Registration + Waitlist information:

Registration for RETURNING CAMPERS: Registration opens for *returning* DPS campers on Sunday, January 5. The DPS Summer Camp Policies Acknowledgement Form (that is the last page of the DPS Camps Enrollment Supplement) must be signed and returned as confirmation as intent to enroll by Friday, February 28. Upon return of the signed acknowledgment form, Summer Taglit’s Director will reach out to schedule an intake. If any of the Form’s deadlines are missed, a spot in DPS’s Summer Camp cannot be guaranteed for your camper. All necessary camp paperwork (including “Summer Goals”) need to be returned by Friday, May 2.

REGISTRATION FOR NEW CAMPERS: Our DPS camp programs are in high demand with each unit currently on a waitlist. New campers may fill out an inquiry form any time to join our waitlist and will be contacted for registration as spaces become available.

Pricing:

The J does not accept private pay for DPS camp programs. The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides the JCC with income for the exact amount of time that your child is in attendance. DDD allocates participants in the J’s DPS summer programs six Day Treatment Summer {DTS} hours per day. Each participant’s DDD Support Coordinator requests these day program hours to be released each summer to cover their day program attendance expense. Sometimes, participants’ hours of attendance exceed six hours a day. When this happens, the J then bills respite hours to cover the amount of time attended that exceeds six hours. If released, the J then bills these respite hours to cover for the difference between the 6 day program hours and actual attendance. DDD Support Coordinators will contact parents to get their permission to release some or all of the available respite hours. Once released, the J will then bill these respite hours. If parents/guardians don’t wish for the available respite hours to be used, the J’ accounting department will then bill parents/guardians directly for each quarter hour your child attends past approved DTS and respite hours.

Sample Schedule