Baltimore Jewry Observes Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month

February 8, 2021 Staff Report

(Photo by Danny Nee on Unsplash)

February marks the 13th annual observance of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month.

JDAIM will be commemorated in Baltimore this month with an array of local and national virtual programming, including American Sign Language training, author talks, inclusive Shabbat services, and inclusion and sensitivity workshops.

Special needs advocate Jodi Samuels, author of “Chutzpah, Wisdom and Wine: The Journey of an Unstoppable Woman,” will speak on Feb. 9 to the Macks Center for Jewish Education.

The New York-based Jewish Federations of North America describes JDAIM as “a month of education, solidarity-building, and empowerment in support of people with disabilities.”

JDAIM was established by the Jewish Special Education International Consortium with the mission “to unite Jewish communities worldwide to raise awareness and champion the rights of all Jews to be accepted and included in all aspects of Jewish life like anyone else.”

“Disabilities impact all of us,” said Janet B. Livingston, an abilities and inclusion thought partner for The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. “JDAIM is a unique opportunity for Jewish organizations, including The Associated, to raise awareness and foster acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities and mental health conditions and those who love them. JDAIM and our work year-round gives us the opportunity to foster a welcoming and inclusive community for all. Inclusion enriches all of us.”

For information about special events and programming related to JDAIM, visit baltimore.jewishabilities.org/jewish-disabilities-awareness-and-inclusion-month/.