Marching Forward What’s next? As February comes to a close, we look at the coming months and years with a great sense of optimism and excitement. How many more synagogues will install wheelchair accessible ramps in their sanctuaries? How many more summer programs will open their doors to those with disabilities? How many more young […]

SIT WITH US  Throughout her 7th grade, Natalie Hampton had trouble finding others to eat lunch with and was often found sitting all by herself. A few years later, in high school, Natalie was determined to build communities in which no one would ever have to feel her pain and sit by him/herself. Sit With […]

Yachad Summer Are you still looking for summer plans? We got you covered! Yachad has inclusion programs throughout some of the most popular Orthodox camps, like Moshava, Lavi and Mesorah, as well as separate Yachad programs like Camp Chaverim.  Work with kids at Nesher, teens at Morasha or go to Israel with Yachad Birthright! These […]

PROACTIVELY INVITE PEOPLE INTO YOUR CONVERSATIONS  We have all been there. Glancing around the room on the first day of camp, a networking event, or community dinner wondering “Will I have anyone to talk to? It looks like everyone already knows each other!” The reality is that entering a conversation can truly be a difficult […]

Disability in media  People with disabilities in media play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and representation. Characters like Julia from Sesame Street contribute to breaking stereotypes and promoting awareness. Julia, who has autism, helps educate audiences about Autism and Inclusion, which encourages understanding and acceptance. Including characters with disabilities in media not only reflects […]

LEARN ABOUT DISABILITIES  A disability is largely defined as a physical or cognitive attribute that makes it difficult to participate in a mainstream environment. Notice that many of the main challenges facing those with disabilities are societal in nature; if buildings were constructed so as to allow a person using a wheelchair to have easy […]

BUILD AN ACCESSIBLE WORLD  All around the world, people with disabilities have become more accepted, appreciated, and included. But the reality is that far too many buildings, activities, and transportation systems are still off-limits to those with mobility impairments, effectively prohibiting them from participating in certain aspects of daily life. Consider this: Of the 500+ […]

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 […]

SWAG DAY!  SWAG is more than just random apparel showing off your interests. It publicizes the missions and philosophies that you align with, informing countless others of what goals you’d like to accomplish. By wearing your Yachad SWAG today, you’ll help spread the mission of inclusion and the belief that every person belongs in our […]

Put Yourself into Someone else’s Shoes Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes fosters empathy, promotes inclusivity, and deepens understanding. By seeing the world from another perspective, we can better appreciate diversity, build stronger relationships, and create a more compassionate society. Now watch this video and consider these questions: What insights or revelations does the man […]