Day 18: Make Your School More Inclusive
Well beyond education, schools offer an environment that supports social interaction and strong friendships. It’s therefore extremely important that such institutions provide accessible spaces for those with disabilities—without them, how can friendships between those with and without special needs ever flourish? But simply creating accessible spaces won’t quite do the trick; active steps are needed […]
Read More >Day 17: Listen to a Shiur About Disability Inclusion
As individuals with disabilities increasingly become able to participate in the full spectrum of Jewish life, many discussions are occurring that attempt to navigate complex Halachic realities. “Is an electric wheelchair permissible on Shabbat?” “In light of advanced hearing technology, what is the definition of a “Choresh” and is it still applicable?” These are not […]
Read More >Day 16: Be a Sensitive Communicator
The nature of some disabilities can make it difficult to communicate with others. For those without such limitations, it’s important to keep certain things in mind when having discussions. Here are some ideas for effective communication with some individuals with disabilities. Some people with disabilities have a difficult time hearing and depend on lip-reading in […]
Read More >Day 15: Learn Brachot in Sign Language
“Bi Rov Am Hamrat Melech- The King’s glory is in multitudes”(Misheli 14:28). Our Rabbis teach us that this Passuk implies that it is far greater for commandments and Teffilot to be done in public, with as many people as possible, rather than individually. It’s therefore important that, as a Jewish community, we ensure that all […]
Read More >Day 14: Explore Work Opportunities for Adults with Disabilities
Everyone aspires to achieve meaningful employment and earn the accompanying feelings of confidence and a sense of importance. Everyone desires a life of self-sufficiency and independence gained by a consistent flow of income. But unfortunately, often because of misconceptions and stereotypes, too many within the disability community are not provided with the opportunities to achieve […]
Read More >Day 13: Button Day!
Historically, buttons have been used to demonstrate a person’s strong support for a political candidate or social movement. More than mere objects, these sorts of items reflect deep convictions and passion for specific goals. Yachad’s buttons celebrating NAIM and supporting inclusion are no different. Pin it to a backpack or wear it around school—your display […]
Read More >Day 12: Get Involved With Yachad!
With eleven chapters across the United States, Canada, and Israel, Yachad is a far-reaching, international organization that promotes disability inclusion. Through Sunday Kickball games, paint nights, and acclaimed Shabbatonim, it educates the wider public about the abilities of those with special needs and demonstrates just how much more enjoyable a community can be when it […]
Read More >Day 11: Watch "Things People with Disabilities Wish You Knew”
People without disabilities have all sorts of ideas— and often times, misconceptions— about those with special needs. Check out this Buzzfeed video about what people with disabilities would like you to know. Consider these questions after watching the video: Did this video change the way you thought of people with disabilities? If so, how? Some […]
Read More >Day10: Tell Us What Inclusion Means To You
Inclusion. What does it mean to you? How does it affect your everyday life? Why is important? Inclusion, the notion that every person deserves a place in the community and that society collectively benefits by providing those opportunities, is remarkable, impactful, and vital. Today, make inclusion personal and fill out the form on our website […]
Read More >Day 9: Thirty Second Catch-UP
Joining a conversation can be tough. Questions like “What are they talking about?” and “Will I know what’s going on?” swim through a person’s mind, discouraging him from offering his opinions and participating in a discussion. That’s why it’s so important to notice when a new person enters a conversation and to be sure that […]
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