Inclusion Awareness Month
Get Inspired: 29 Tips be More Inclusive of People with Disabilities Throughout February
1. Sweat the small stuff. It’s often the small things, such as being kind and courteous, that make a difference.
2. Volunteer your time with one of the amazing Jewish organizations in LA that support people with disabilities. Or participate in Federation's Super Service Sunday on February 12th.
3. Smile. You might be surprised at how contagious a smile can be.
4. As a self advocate, address myths and misconceptions. Show off your abilities!
5. Be flexible. Things don't always go as planned. Be willing to adapt to changing conditions when necessary.
6. Treat others the way they want to be treated. R-E-S-P-E-C-T…find out what it means to me.
7. Learn from others. You might be surprised by what you learn from people who are different.
8. Offer equal opportunities. Hire people with special needs, no matter your business or profession. People with disabilities can be effective employees.
9. Lead the way. Let your inclusive behavior create a path for others to follow.
10. Offer assistance. Offer to help a person with a physical disability, if you sense the person needs assistance, but wait until your offer is accepted BEFORE you help. Listen to any instructions the person may want to give.
11. Be considerate. A person with a disability might take extra time to get things done or said. Let the person set the pace in walking and talking.
12. Be aware of eye contact. When talking with someone who has a disability, speak directly to that person rather than through a companion who may be present.
13. Follow the person's cues to find out if he/she prefers sign language, gesturing, writing or speaking.
14. Say hello. You just might make someone's day.
15. If you are a self advocate, speak up on behalf of yourself and others.
16. Keep your manner encouraging rather than correcting. Be patient—don't speak for the person.
17. Plan inclusive activities. If you have a friend, classmate or family member with a disability, remember to plan activities that allow for meaningful participation.
18. Focus on the positive. Always look at the strengths of a person with disability and encourage them on what they do well.
19. Speak up. If you notice that an activity at your organization is not accessible for all, say something to the person planning the program.
20. Offer your friendship. Strength and happiness can come from the love and support of true friends.
21. Start an inclusion committee at your synagogue or school. As a collective voice you can help create a culture of inclusion.
22. Look to the Torah. Some of our most important Biblical leaders like Jacob, Leah, and Moses had a disability. Everyone has the power to make history.
23. Ask more questions. Is my camp handicapped accessible? Does my synagogue have an American Sign Language Interpreter? What technology is available that will improve accessibly in my institution?
24. Listen. Everyone feels respected when they know you're listening to their point of view.
25. Don't know much about Cerebral Palsy? Or Autism? Take the time to learn more about disabilities that impact people in your community.
26. Designate your organization's tzedakah that is collected during Inclusion Awareness Month for the synagogue's Special Needs fund to enhance access to the building or to programs.
27. Words matter. Learn appropriate language used when discussing disability issues. NEVER use the "R" word.
28. If you are parent, you can turn to your Jewish community for help. Contact JFS/HaMercaz, the central resource for families with children with special needs at 866.287.8030 or hamercaz@jfsla.org.
29. This day might come around once every 4 years, but being inclusive should happen year-round. Make every day an inclusive day!
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