Greater Philadelphia Marks Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month with Accessible Programming

Each February, Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is a time that highlights the beauty and diversity of Greater Philadelphia and the need for welcoming and inclusive Jewish spaces. The month is marked by events and activities designed to celebrate people with disabilities and promote equity within their communities.

Beginning locally in 2009 and spearheaded by Jewish Learning Venture’s (JLV) Disability Access and its Jewish Special Needs/Disability Awareness Consortium of Greater Philadelphia, this commemorative month has continued to gain momentum across the region as more community organizations prioritize accessibility.

Comprising a network of 17 agencies, synagogues, schools, camps, and community centers that either provide direct service to people with disabilities or prioritize creating welcoming spaces, the consortium meets regularly to discuss matters of inclusion and to create programs throughout February that celebrate accessibility.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has been a proud member of the consortium and a major investor and advocate in disability inclusion and accessibility.

"The Jewish Federation believes in creating Jewish life that can be accessed by all,” said Daria Barkai, director of Strategy & Impact at the Jewish Federation. “By supporting organizations that are changing the landscape in disability inclusion and by continuing to participate in JDAIM, we have the opportunity to ensure that everyone feels valued, welcomed and connected through meaningful programs and initiatives."

Last year, the Jewish Federation served 43,900 people with disabilities locally and globally through its financial support of innovative programs and organizations – like Jewish Learning Venture.

"We're grateful for the Jewish Federation's partnership and participation in the Greater Philadelphia Disability Inclusion Consortium,” said Erin Beser, director of JLV's Disability Access. “In addition, we thank the Jewish Federation for their financial support that enables us at Jewish Learning Venture to provide holistic support programming in two critical areas: professional learning and family programming.”

See below for a list of events to celebrate JDAIM this February:

Singing & Storytime
Feb. 2, Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Feb. 23 | 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Old City Philadelphia, PA

Perfect for families seeking language-focused, sensory-rich experiences for their young learners, join Jewish Learning Venture’s jkidphilly for an inclusive Hebrew singing and storytime session. Led by Speech and Language Coach Ana Atach, the multisensory program uses music, movement and storytelling to support early language development in young children of all abilities. Each session features interactive activities, a special "Word of the Day" to reinforce vocabulary, and a welcoming community atmosphere with complimentary snacks. To register, click here.

Inclusion Shabbat Service
Friday, Feb. 6 | 7 p.m.
Keneseth Israel Reform Congregation

Join Rabbi Benjamin David as he leads an inclusion-friendly Shabbat evening service in the sanctuary of the Keneseth Israel synagogue in Elkins Park. There is an option to attend online for those who cannot come in person. To stream the inclusion shabbat evening service, click here.

JBabies – A Pop-up Play Space to Nurture Community
Feb. 13, Feb. 27 | 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Fort Washington, PA

Join Jewish Learning Venture’s jkidphilly and other local Jewish caregivers at JBabies, a holistic social experience. Explore beautiful Jewish traditions and values through music, movement and sensory stimulants. All are welcome! To register, click here.

JDAIM Shabbat: Supporting Loved Ones with Hearing Loss
Friday, Feb. 20 | 7:30 p.m.
Or Hadash

Join Or Hadash Inclusion Committee for a special JDAIM Shabbat focused on "the Torah of Disability Access," with guest speaker Regina Kornspan Levin. Regina, who has been hearing-impaired since birth, will share her experiences living with a hearing disability, self-advocacy skills and effective communication strategies. She will discuss supporting loved ones with hearing loss and the challenges for people who experience hearing loss later in life. The event will be held in person and on Zoom. To register, email Office@OrHadash.com.

Sensory Play Shabbat
Friday, Feb 20 5:30 p.m.
Main Line Reform Temple

Join Main Line Reform Temple for a special JDAIM Sensory Play Shabbat experience featuring Adoughma accessible sensory play for a regulating, deeply connecting experience for families with kids of all abilities, followed by Shabbat services. To learn more and register, click here.

jkidphilly Parent Ambassador program: Ohevteenies
Sunday, Feb. 22 | 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Richboro, PA

Join Jewish Learning Venture’s jkidphilly for this interactive program featuring circle time, storytelling, crafts and song sessions led by Cantor Annelise Ocanto-Romo of Ohev Shalom of Bucks County. Designed for infants and toddlers up to age four with their caregivers, siblings are also welcome and snacks will be provided. To learn more and register, click here.

A Purim Party with Lolly
Sunday, Feb. 22 | 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Join Jewish Learning Venture’s jkidphilly to enjoy music and movement with Lolly Hopwood, along with coffee, snacks, fun giveaways and Purim crafts. Kids are also welcome to wear costumes! Please feel free to bring any outgrown PJ Library books and choose some new ones to bring home. To register, click here.

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To learn more and find out about new JDAIM events, click here.

Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has been the cornerstone of Jewish life in our region. Whether it’s delivering meals to Holocaust Survivors, supporting students facing antisemitism, helping families afford Jewish summer camp or standing with the people of Israel in times of crisis – we are here. As one community. For all generations. For 125 years. Be a part of the story and help create a more inclusive community by making a gift here.