Inclusion Awareness Month
Inclusion Awareness Month (IAM) is part of a national effort to inform and raise awareness about members of the Jewish community with a disability. IAM is a major community effort in 2012 led by the Jewish Federation in partnership with the BJE, Board of Rabbis, JFS/HaMercaz, and other community partners. Read more at our blog
Take our Inclusion Pledge
I believe that every person has his hour and her place, as taught in Pirke Avot/ Ethics of Our Fathers 4:3, and therefore pledge to be welcoming of all people, regardless of ability or disability.
As a member of my community, I pledge to ensure that everyone is an equally accepted participant and contributing member.
My pledge is to empower, advocate, support, and above all to include each person in the Jewish community.
IAM Blog
On the final day of February’s Inclusion Awareness Month, Federation, HaMercaz, the BJE, and the Board of Rabbis convened professionals and lay leaders from across the spectrum of Jewish organizations for the Better Together Inclusion Conference. At the conference, people from schools, synagogues, camps, youth groups, advocacy and social services organizations brainstormed action steps to strengthen existing and implement new methods of inclusion within their institutions and the community. Keynote speaker and national expert on inclusion, Shelly Christensen moderated the discussion and called on participants to “facilitate meaningful participation by people with disabilities and their families and engage the community in the process.” Jacob Artson, a leading advocate for people with special needs, shared his own experience navigating the Jewish community as a young adult with autism who communicates through typing. As we conclude February and Inclusion Awareness Month, we hope his words will inspire action to promote a more inclusive community not just in February but all year round.Below is an excerpt from his speech at the conference:Almost half…