The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington proudly celebrates Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM)!
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In this special edition of Together & Connected, learn about JDAIM and the many opportunities to celebrate as a community.
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Photo courtesy of Bender JCC
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JDAIM officially begins tomorrow, shining a light on the disability community and the amazing impact they have on Jewish Greater Washington. Join us this February, and year-round, to raise awareness, champion the rights, and continue to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Together, in partnership with organizations and communities around the world, we can foster a more inclusive Jewish community that recognizes everyone's value, dignity, and capabilities.
- Sign up for events and volunteer opportunities.
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Take action on February 15th for Jewish Disability Advocacy Day.
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Explore resources to make our community more inclusive.
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Embrace the diversity of our shared human experience during the ReelAbilities Film Festival: Northern Virginia.
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INCLUSION: BY THE NUMBERS
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1 in 4 American adults — 61 million people — have some type of disability
- 48 million report some degree of hearing loss*
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7 million report having a visual disability*
- 39 million have physical difficulties*
- 8 million have an intellectual disability, including 425,000 children*
- 1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition**
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200,000 students in Jewish communities around the US have special needs**
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| 18% of households in Greater Washington include a family member with a health limitation or disability***
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Sources:
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
** Matan
***Data from the 2017 Greater Washington Jewish Community Demographic Study, funded by The Morningstar Foundation
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JDAIM HIGHLIGHTS, RESOURCES, AND EVENTS
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| Meet Ruth: Building Deeper Connections to Israel at Makom
Ruth Shtikan is Federation's Community Shlicha (Israel emissary) at our partner organization Makom (formerly Jewish Foundation for Group Homes), which supports and empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve the quality of life to which they aspire. Ruth arrived in Greater Washington in September 2022 as one of the first Jewish Agency for Israel shlichim to be placed at this type of organization, where she is providing people with disabilities a unique chance to learn about Israel and Israeli culture through immersive, fun programming.
Learn more about Ruth’s work with Makom
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ReelAbilities Film Festival: Opening Night
The Reason I Jump is an immersive cinematic exploration of neurodiversity through the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people from around the world. Based on the best-selling book by Naoki Higashida, the film blends Higashida's revelatory insights into autism, written when he was just 13, with intimate portraits of five remarkable young people. This film is part of the ReelAbilities Film Festival, the largest festival in the US dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with disabilities.
See the full festival schedule here
» Thursday, February 2 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
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| Inclusion Celebration Month Shabbat Service
This February, Adas Israel will mark JDAIM with events that highlight the value of inclusion in our community. This Saturday, members of the Adas Israel Disability Justice Team will be honored and special guest speaker, Noa Holtzblatt, will share their experience with autism. The service will have ASL interpretation.
Learn more here
» Saturday, February 4 | 9:30 AM
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Photo courtesy of Sunflower Bakery
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| Resource Fair for Teens and Adults with Disabilities
Save the date for Sunday, March 26th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Montgomery College, 51 Mannakee Street, in Rockville, MD for a resource fair for teen and adults with disabilities who are transitioning from high school to independent living. Learn about job coaching, benefits, recreation, and more. No registration required. For questions, please contact transitioningsuccess@gmail.com
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| Volunteer with Friendship Circle
Friendship Circle works to provide every child with special needs in Montgomery County and DC with the friendship, inclusion, and emotional support that they deserve. Explore ways you can connect with a child with special needs, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
Learn more here
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Whether you connect best by learning, celebrating, eating, traveling, or all of the above, there’s an Israel at 75 opportunity for you! Check out upcoming Israel at 75 events and resources here.
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Our friends at the Washington Jewish Week are offering members of our community a free, one-year subscription. Sign up today!
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
6101 Executive Boulevard Suite 100 | North Bethesda, MD 20852 US
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