Jewish Disabilities Advocates
The JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates program was created to raise awareness and further inclusion of people with disabilities within Jewish organizations and the larger Jewish community. Jewish Disabilities Advocates (JDA) consists of two complementary initiatives that serve individuals and organizations.
JDA 2026 Theme: Access and Engagement in Jewish Life
JDAIM Community Learning Evening
Thursday, February 5
5:30-7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Join JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates and our wonderful rabbinical panel for a community conversation on expanding access and deepening engagement in Jewish life. Together, we can cultivate a culture of belonging and strengthen the fabric of Jewish communal life. ASL and closed captioning provided.
JDA Collaborative and Partner Organizations
The JDA Collaborative works to improve inclusion and belonging of people with disabilities at the organizational level and across the Denver metro area Jewish community. Denver and Boulder synagogues, Jewish communal agencies, and other faith-based organizations collaborate to ensure Jews with a broad range of disabilities and their families can participate in rich Jewish life and culture.
Events
JDAIM community learning event
Thursday, February 5
5:30-7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Neuro-Connect: A Connection Group for Adults with Level 1 Autism
A low-pressure, friendly space to connect with other Autistic adults, share interests, and build friendships.
Virtual meetings, 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6 -7 p.m.
For more information and to receive the Google Meet link, email Shawn Axelrod at ShawnRAxelrod@gmail.com
Jewish Dementia Support Group
For individuals living with dementia and family caregivers. Join us in a safe and compassionate space for connection, resources, and support.
Monthly Virtual Meetings: 2nd Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Register
Parent Connect: Navigating Jewish Education
For families of children with physical disabilities, mental health challenges, learning disabilities, intellectual and developmental disabilities, chronic health conditions, severe food allergies, and more.
Monthly Virtual Meetings: 3rd Tuesday on Zoom, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
For more information and to receive the Zoom link, contact Bernadette Gien at bernagien3@gmail.com
Chronic Health Conditions Support group
Living with a chronic health condition can be challenging. Our JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates Chronic Health Conditions Support Group offers the understanding and community you need for your well-being.
Monthly Virtual Meetings: Last Thursday on Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information and to receive the Zoom link, contact Lev (Max) Weiner at maxweiner126@yahoo.com.
Caregiver Support Group
For adult children caring for an aging parent. Open to all faiths. Monthly hybrid meetings: First Wednesday of the month 5-6:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Stuart Feinhor at 720.248.4684.
JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates creates resources throughout the year to raise awareness and understanding of a variety of disabilities and how the Jewish community can engage and support individuals with disabilities and their families. Our resources follow our area of focus for the year.
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Accessibility and Accommodations
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Circles of Support
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Connection and Belonging
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Chronic Health Conditions
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Mental Illness
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Family Resources
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Greeter Training
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Additional Resources