A Successful Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month
Thank you to everyone who attended programs and events in February for Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM)! More than 1,000 people participated in 11 events at synagogues and other local Jewish organizations in Denver and Boulder. The most powerful programs were those where congregants shared their stories and the impact that inclusion has for them. These stories are emotional and truly have an impact to all who hear them.
We heard people share about being on the Autism spectrum and the importance of being part of a community that accepts and embraces its members with disabilities. There were personal declarations of appreciation to family, friends, and community when faced with hearing loss and illness associated with aging. There were in-depth conversations about mental illness and the challenges of feeling isolated even with community support. The programs this year opened our hearts and minds to the people in our community who face visible and invisible disabilities.
JDAIM was moving and reminds us of the need for increased awareness, acceptance, and inclusion beyond one month in February. There are already materials being included in mishloach manot baskets for Purim and preparations for Passover. Carol Morris, Jewish Disabilities Advocates coordinator, the Inclusion Committee, and our synagogues that are partners in our inclusion initiative, are committed to increasing awareness beyond JDAIM.
