Can young adults with disabilities truly appreciate the Israel experience? Having returned from leading a Tikvah Ramah Israel trip for twelve adults ages 18 to 40 with autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and a range of intellectual disabilities, the answer is unequivocally YES! And there should be more opportunities for Israel trips–for all populations, following a range of models from inclusive, to family trips and more.
Read MoreThis post is part of our series dedicated to Jewish Disability Awareness Month.
Read MoreAs part of our month-long series dedicated to Jewish Disability Awareness Month, Sally shares how a Jewish Day Camp diligently worked to make sure her daughter with special needs could attend and thrive.
Read MoreJudaism has been a part of my life since I was born. My mother snuck Shabbatcandles into the hospital in preparation for my birth and I was born on Shabbos afternoon surrounded by my family and future friends, all welcoming Shabbat and my existence. As a child, I was raised primarily by my Jewish, African-American mother, Denise. I am honored to say that she converted to this amazing religion and that I am 100% Jewish.
Read MoreAs February is Jewish Disabilities Awareness month, we are highlighting a largely unseen, yet highly valued program of Camp Ramah in the Berkshires: Breira B’Ramah. B’reira B’Ramah is a fully integrated inclusion program, for campers with the often invisible challenges of learning, emotional and/or behavioral disabilities. Breira B’Ramah campers are largely indistinguishable from their peers; they participate in all camp activities with minimal modifications. What enables these campers to be successful at camp is a group of caring, talented counselors who serve as their shadows, mentors and coaches.
Read MoreLast month, the Tikvah program for campers with disabilities at Camp Ramah in New England took a group of 12 young adults, graduates of the camper program, to Israel for a ten-day trip. This trip was not the first of its kind. In fact, every two years Ramah New England offers a Tikvah Israel trip, with many participants returning to Israel again and again for a chance to visit the Jewish homeland with their close friends from Ramah.
Read MoreAt the end of every summer, Camp Ramah Darom in Clayton, GA turns into Camp Yofi, where children with autism and their families can enjoy a week of Jewish camping fun and relaxation.
Read MoreEarlier this month I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the first Jewish Leadership Institute on Disability and Inclusion. The Institute brought together Jewish leaders from across North America who are working to make the Jewish community more inclusive of all its members, regardless of individual differences. As a young professional beginning what I hope to be a long and fulfilling career working with people with disabilities in the Jewish community, I cherished the opportunity to connect with other professionals who share my passion.
Read MoreAs we start the New Year, it’s important to look back on what was accomplished for inclusion of Jews with disabilities this past year. We planted the seeds for future progress. Most of the work focused on “setting the table” for inclusion: raising awareness, creating critical policies and standards, and developing and conducting training for professionals. Hopefully, 2014 will be the year of implementation. Meanwhile, here are the top plays and players of 2013.
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