Jewish+Disability+Awareness+and+Inclusion

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__FEBRUARY IS JEWISH DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH in 2010__

While we all have a lot of material to teach in a short amount of time, there are some additional things that enrich student and adult member experieinces. I believe that February offers one of those opportunities. I participated in or attended three sessions at the Biennial that dealt with special needs and inclusion. Each one renewed my sensitivity to this impotant area.

There is a Jewish Special Education International Consortium which encourages us to keep this issue in front of our teachers, students and congregational members. Visit [|www.jsped.org] for many ideas about programs and resources you can use, including the Jewish Disability Month Logo.

One of the best materials that I have seen for our synagogues is Shelly Christensen's book __Jewish Community Guide to Inclusion of People With Disabilities.__ It has simple discriptions of disability areas for teachers, probe sheets to evaluate your synagogues inclusion practices, and suggestions for ushers at services, and publicity ideas. Shelly is a member of Beth Sholom Congregation in Minnetonka MN. and the book was funded by the Minneapolis Federation and other Endowments. I have a sample in my office if you would like to see it.

Things we as Educators can do to mark the month: Contact me if needed to help plan activities for February.
 * Ask for this to be a topic for comments or recognition at Shabbat services or on the Shabbat announcements.
 * Encourage your congregation to do a self evaluation. (I will get you a copy if needed.)
 * Put this on the agenda for a teachers meeting.
 * Plan a program or speakers for the children in your school.
 * Include the topic in your school bulletin.

Alan Levin Ph.D. 1-847-239-6873 Alevin@urj.org