Inclusion of Individuals with Disabilities
Jewish values teach that every human being is created in God’s image and is, therefore, to be valued.
The purpose of this award is to honor those congregations that have made the commitment to be totally inclusive. They have taken steps to ensure that they are physically, attitudinally and programmatically accessible so that individuals with disabilities and their families across all ages are welcomed and are enabled to participate fully in all aspects of congregational life.
In recognition of the many challenges in becoming an inclusive congregation, please describe the steps you have taken toward reaching Goal A and / or Goal B below. Please describe planned future steps to reach full inclusion.
Goal A: Removing physical barriers
Removal of physical, architectural and attitudinal barriers which make it difficult for persons with disabilities to access and move around in the synagogue building, or participate in congregational worship services and activities. Example of these steps include curb cuts, designated accessible parking spaces, ramps, proper lighting and sound systems (such as assisted listening devices), availability of siddurim in alternative formats – such as large print, Braille, etc.
Goal B: Removing programmatic barriers
Steps taken in formal and informal programming to accommodating individuals with special learning needs from early childhood through adult years. These settings include early childhood education, religious school, Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation, confirmation, youth groups, etc.
