February is officially recognized as “Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month.”
In honor of JDAIM, Jewish Community Services will host a four-part series throughout the month exploring developmental disability services, housing supports and community-based living options.
“Navigating Developmental Disability Services Together” is designed for individuals with disabilities, their families and referral partners seeking information and resources about available services.
The series will include virtual and in-person programs, offering participants the chance to hear directly from professionals, ask questions, learn how services are delivered, who is eligible and how to apply.
All of the events are open to the public, and participants do not need to be Jewish to attend or to utilize JCS services.
“No family should feel lost or alone when trying to support a loved one with a disability,” said Tinu Ogunkoya, director of Disability Services at JCS. “This series brings honesty, guidance and hope to a process that is often overwhelming.”
The following is a schedule of the series:
Understanding Housing Support Services
Tuesday, Feb. 10 | Noon to 1 p.m.| Virtual
This session provides an overview of DDA-funded Housing Support Services, including who can receive services and how individuals with developmental disabilities are supported in securing and maintaining community-based housing.
How Disability Services Work: Eligibility, Entitlement and When to Apply
Thursday, Feb. 26 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Virtual
Led by professionals from Service Coordination Inc., the state’s largest case management services provider, this program explains how developmental disability services are accessed, the difference between school-age entitlement and adult eligibility, and why timing matters when applying.
Residential Living Open House
Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 10a.m. to 2 p.m.| In Person
Community members are invited to visit JCS residential homes for individuals with developmental disabilities, meet staff and learn about residential models, staffing, funding, availability and daily life in these settings.
Supported Living Information Sessions
Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | In Person, By Appointment
These sessions explore supported living options for individuals who rent or own their own homes, highlighting how JCS helps people find and maintain independent living arrangements with tailored support.
Advance registration is required, and space for in-person programs is limited. For event details and a link to register, visit jcsbalt.org/jdaim2026/
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