Our goal is the full participation in the spiritual, educational and communal aspects of synagogue life for people living with disabilities and for their families.
In recognition of Jewish Disability Awareness Month
(JDAM) 2012, the JDN is organizing a briefing for Congressional staff
on the future of Medicaid and how potential reforms to the Medicaid
program would impact the disability community.
For Jews with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) communal worship can be exceedingly difficult, if not downright impossible. Here are some ways that congregations can be more accessible to those with MCS. From Reform Judaism magazine, Summer 2004.
Suggestions for helping synagogue communities become more welcoming and responsive to families with children with special needs by Dona Hare, Director of the Mitzvah Corp Program at Kutz Leadership Camp
The Winter 2011 issue of this publication for Jewish educators provides articles from educators, professionals, and lay leaders from all around the Reform Movement, each addressing the topic of creating an atmosphere of inclusion in all aspects of Jewish learning.
JDAM Reads for Children! presents practical ideas for raising awareness of disabilities and encouraging tikkun
olam using the picture book Jumping Jenny. Also includes information for a webinar featuring the book's author.
JDAM (Jewish Disability Awareness Month) Reads! is new this year affording book groups, congregations and communities to read a book together, and then discuss it using this discussion guide.
Praying with Lior asks whether someone with Down syndrome can be a "spiritual genius." As this moving and entertaining documentary moves to its climax, Lior must pass through the gateway to manhood - his Bar Mitzvah.
Offers insight about the creation of religious and b'nei mitzvah education. Introduces different and evolving methods in the area of special education. From Al Pi Darco: According to Their Ways.
Find this in the NFTY social action program bank. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about life with a disability and examine Jewish text around disabilities.
In the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury, a community of faith gave me the strength - and resilience - to rebuild my life. From Reform Judaism magazine, Summer 2004.
Profiles of four families struggling to meet the material and spiritual needs of children and siblings with mental and physical disabilities -- now and in the future. From Reform Judaism magazine, Summer 2002.
In his Yom Kippur sermon, Rabbi Kipnes addresses the "veil of silence" and the discomfort people feel around mental illness. He offers a charge to lift up the veil, and not be afraid to talk about mental illnesses and to acknowledge that they, too, are in need of healing.
With a background of 25 years working with elders, Dayle A. Friedman's article offers and exploration of the meaning of dementia and an effort to put it in a theological context.
Diane Rodecker focuses on the importance of inclusion of all in synagogue communities. She addresses physical barriers that need to be removed and also addresses the progress that has been made.
Through Jewish texts, Dr. William Cutter initiates a conversation of the tension between inclusivity and feeling estranged during a conference in 2001 at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.
Rabbi Lynne F. Landsberg talks about third annual Jewish Disability Awareness Month, an opportunity for Jewish communities to break down physical, communicative and attitudinal barriers, educate ourselves on what accessibility and inclusion really mean, and reach out to Jews with disabilities.
Learn about the people and stories that make Bet Shalom Congregation in Minnetonka, MN an inclusive, welcoming environment, in the video below.
Caring Community Specialist Rabbi Richard F. Address discusses how congregations can and are adapting to welcome those with special needs and disabilities. Watch the video below or listen to the Podcast:
Connect with 
Multimedia: 