Imagine the transformation that could occur if we all joined together in achieving the common goal of including people with disabilities in our Jewish organizations and communities.  Imagine the opportunities that would arise if we simultaneously endeavored to raise awareness, increase educational and spiritual growth, and accept every individual in every aspect of the Jewish community.    As the issue of inclusion has been brought towards the forefront of Jewish life and more synagogues, Jewish schools, camps and JCCâ??s have begun to welcome people with disabilities and provide programming to include all.  The Jewish Special Education International Consortium (JSEIC) has proposed that a unified commitment across the religious spectrum be made to designate the month of February as a national month of recognition and commitment to inclusion. To-date the following national organizations have joined our cause. 

• Jewish Special Education International Consortium
• Council for the Jewish Disabled
• Union for Reform Judaism
• United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
• United Jewish Communities
• Association of Jewish Family and Children’s Agencies

Tremendous strides have been made in communities that have set aside specific time to focus on inclusion in a Jewish context. In several communities across the country congregations designate a special time each year in order to recognize the importance of inclusion.  In some cases, this is marked by a designated weekend devoted to increasing awareness of this critical issue, and in others it takes the shape of a month-long initiative.  In all cases, it has brought much-needed focus to issues of inclusion, and has connected people to the Jewish community who previously had been left to watch others experience Jewish living opportunities that were not accessible to them.    We are very proud to say that The Amit Program is a member of JSEIC and is helping to coordinate this international day of awareness.  If you would like information on ways to recognize the month of February as Jewish Disability Month please contact our office at: info@amitatlanta.org or 404-961-9966. You can also find many more resources at: www.jsped.org.