We invite you to be part of this meaningful effort by joining our team to volunteer, helping fund and grow these services [Donate Here] and most importantly, keeping us in your dua’a. For volunteering, no prior experience or knowledge is needed. Initial and ongoing training will be provided by experts onsite. All we need is your compassion and motivation to help! 

Program Leadership
Our Special Needs programs are led by a dedicated team with experience, training, and care for this work:

• OCIF Facilitator & Special Needs Qur’an and Social Program Lead:
  Hira Khan (noor.abilities@gmail.com, (714)343-2361)
• Special Needs Qur’an and Social Program Co-Lead: Nousheen Ashraf
• Caregiver Monthly Support Group Lead: Anisa Waheeduddin
• Monthly Social Outing Lead: Nayaab Shawl
• Events Coordinator: Fatima Qamar
• Marketing/Social Media Coordinator: Aaminah Qamar

Who the Program Is For
This program serves neurodivergent individuals (special needs), individuals with physical disabilities, and their caregivers. Participants include children, youth, and adults.

Program Schedule

• Weekly Program Time:
  Sundays | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Volunteer Arrival:
  10:30 – 10:45 AM

Families typically arrive at 11:00 AM, and all programming takes place at OCIF.

What Happens During the Program
The core weekly program consists of a 1.5-hour Qur’an and Islamic studies class tailored for neurodivergent and physically disabled individuals. Instruction is led by trained professionals, including Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Behavior Technicians (BTs), and individuals with relevant experience in the field.

Each participant is paired with a dedicated 1:1 aide to provide individualized support throughout the session.

Prior to the start of the program, parent intakes were conducted to better understand:

• Each child’s specific needs
• Goals parents would like us to focus on
• Triggers to be mindful of
• Incentives and strategies that work best

Additional information such as medical history and emergency contacts is collected to ensure safety and preparedness, especially in cases where caregivers may step away during the program.

After class:

• Participants enjoy 15 minutes of structured social time, with snacks provided on some days
• Children are assisted by volunteers in making wuḍū’
• The group then prays ṣalāh in jamā‘ah, after which the program concludes

Each participant has a personal progress binder to track development and facilitate ongoing communication with caregivers, in shā’ Allāh.

OCIF is also investing in specialized learning materials and play equipment to continue improving the quality and effectiveness of both instructional and social components of the program.

Additional Monthly Programs
In addition to the weekly program, we offer several monthly services to support caregivers and families:

• Caregiver Support Group
  Third Saturday of each month | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | OCIF
  A dedicated space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and receive support. Dates may shift if there are major OCIF events.
  Monthly Social Outings
  Second Saturday of each month
  Group outings to family-friendly locations, fostering integration, social development, and community connection. These outings have been well received by families, alḥamdulillāh.
• Caregiver Halaqah with Shaykh Tarik Ata
  Last Sunday of each month | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
  A short spiritual reminder and discussion specifically for caregivers.