Did you know that February is designated as Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM)? As a unified national initiative, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is committed year round to raising awareness and supporting programs that are making Jewish spaces more welcoming for all.
Did you know that February is designated as Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM)? As a unified national initiative, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is committed year-round to raising awareness and supporting programs that make Jewish spaces more welcoming.
Our Commitment to Disability Inclusion
"Supporting programming locally and internationally that promotes disability inclusion and provides opportunities for those living with disabilities to thrive is important to the Jewish Federation. Everyone deserves to feel a sense of welcoming and belonging in their community." - Kelly Romirowsky, Chief Strategy and Impact Officer of the Jewish Federation
The Jewish Federation allocates funding to Jewish agencies dedicated to fostering independence and empowering individuals with disabilities in the community. Through a meticulous vetting process, the Jewish Federation has cultivated long-standing and trusted relationships with organizations that are moving the needle forward in disability inclusion.
This fiscal year, the Jewish Federation distributed $1 million through the Jewish Community Fund – the Jewish Federation’s main source of unrestricted dollars that go toward areas of greatest need – to local and international organizations focused on disability inclusion and trauma resources.
Working Together
“The Jewish Federation’s support has allowed Jewish Learning Venture to make sure that jkidphilly programming is inclusive and accessible. We are able to provide accommodations, such as ASL interpreters and social stories and visual schedules, for all programs as requested by families and provide training to our staff and parent ambassadors.” - Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, Program Consultant of the Jewish Learning Venture
The Jewish Learning Venture (JLV) and its Whole Community Inclusion initiative is supported by the Jewish Federation to ensure that families raising Jewish children with disabilities have the support and accommodations needed to be included in Jewish life.
JLV also leads the Jewish Special Needs/Disability Awareness Consortium of Greater Philadelphia, which is composed of local agencies – including the Jewish Federation – to promote inclusive initiatives and programs. In February for JDAIM, JLV’s Whole Community Inclusion program and the consortium highlight, organize and run community programs and initiatives to spotlight the ongoing work for inclusion.
“Creating technology for individuals with disabilities is not just about meeting specific needs; it's about fostering a more inclusive, equal, and socially responsible tech landscape, and positioning Israel as a leader in this important area of technological innovation.” - Michal Ophir, Co-founder and CEO of Hilma: Tech for Impact
As part of a holistic and comprehensive allocation system, the Jewish Federation supports innovative programs that lead to new advancements in the world of various societal issues, including disability inclusion. For example, the Jewish Federation supports Hilma’s Carmel 6000 program in Israel, which provides technological training to young Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox women. Among an array of impressive achievements, the participants have developed apps and products that benefit people with disabilities, such as communication programs for nonverbal individuals.
The Jewish Federation works each and every day to uplift and empower the community by addressing, supporting and partnering on its prevalent societal issues that impact the lives of so many.
In addition to being a part of change-making networks, such as the Jewish Special Needs/Disability Awareness Consortium of Greater Philadelphia, the Jewish Federation also leads programs that bring together experts and thought leaders to connect, learn and determine viable pathways forward.
In January, the Jewish Federation and the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools hosted a symposium on improving Jewish teens' and young adults' social and emotional health. The morning brought out leaders and professionals, including speakers from CHOP, Moving Traditions, TeachPA and more, focusing on a communal approach to mental health support. Some of the following topics were covered: Framing Youth Effectively, Jewish Approaches to Wellbeing and the Tasks of Adolescence, Listening Session on Community and Agency Needs, and more.
Whether you are born with or develop a disability, whether it is lifelong or acute, visible or invisible, the Jewish Federation is there for you. On and following the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, the Jewish Federation responded to the needs of survivors – some of whom are now facing Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adapting to the world without limbs – as well as to the country-wide mental health crisis that has soared since Hamas’ brutal attacks.
From providing emergency funds to our year-round partners at the Israel Trauma Coalition’s Resilience Center in Netivot to allocating emergency funds to Sheba Medical Center to save the lives of the innocent civilians attacked, the Jewish Federation remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting and safeguarding the well-being of individuals and communities in need and promoting resilience and healing in times of adversity.
The Jewish Federation is a year-round partner of the Jewish Agency For Israel (JAFI), providing funds through the Annual Campaign to support the organization as the world’s Jewish first responder, prepared to address emergencies in Israel and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.
On Oct. 7, Supernova festival attendee Tamar Kan was shot. With help to cover immediate medical expenses and home modifications through JAFI, supported by the Jewish Federation’s emergency funding, her father was able to become her primary caregiver and accommodate her altered physical needs.
