It’s been a minute.
It’s not that I haven’t thought about or focused on Jewish Disability
inclusion; it’s just that I have not come here to this space to write about it.
No less important. In fact, maybe even more so.
Over the past few years there has been a significant emphasis on Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work. And yet, this inclusion frequently overlooks disability
altogether.
Disability is a core aspect of human diversity, and yet, too often, it
is the forgotten stepchild, if you will, of efforts to make spaces more
inclusive. We need to keep disability front & center in order to continue
to push for equitable access, accommodations, and meaningful opportunities in education,
workplaces, and society at large.
And yet, to me, it feels like a decade plus of exceptional work in Jewish
disability inclusion specifically (and more generally) has taken steps
backwards and it almost feels like we have to start over in some arenas.
For me, disability inclusion is seamlessly woven into the work I do each
day in my synagogue community and in my religious school. But I know it is not
that way for everyone, and therefore it needs to be named, lifted, and emphasized.
I hope that some of my posts help you to bring disability back into the
work of diversity, equity and inclusion and center it more seamlessly in the
fabric of your education programs and community.
Ten Steps to Make Your Congregation Inclusive
Teaching Diversity AND Inclusion
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