Disability Inclusion
The Disability Inclusion Committee is working to further expand inclusion and access at Agudas Achim and we value input and contributions to this effort. If you are interested in being on the committee, want more information about the work of the committee, or would like to be on an email list about activities or events related to Disability Inclusion, please email Barbara Elkin, committee chair, or call the synagogue office, 703-998-6460.
HOW WE PRACTICE INCLUSION AT AGUDAS ACHIM
- Our facility is wheelchair accessible, including the bima. The Cohen Sanctuary has wheelchair spaces with designated companion seats.
- The Cohen Sanctuary and Flax Family Chapel have audio loops (T-Coils); we also offer assistive listening devices for those who would prefer them.
- Lightweight, large-print mahzorim are available for the High Holy Days; and lightweight, large-print copies of Siddur Lev Shalem and the Etz Hayim Chumash are available for Shabbat.
- Designation of priority aisle seating for Shabbat services in the Cohen Sanctuary will soon be available for persons with mobility issues.
- It is the practice at Agudas Achim that we label allergens at all synagogue food events. Individuals with food allergies are permitted to store a small amount of kosher food in the synagogue kitchen for personal consumption while participating in Agudas Achim events. More on food allergy practices can be found here.
- When possible, supports and accommodations are provided to children with disabilities in the religious school.
- A staffed “break” room is available during religious school hours to support students who need space for self calming, sensory regulation, or to de-stress.
- Monthly parent coffees support parents of children with disabilities in the congregation. See the sidebar on this page for coffee dates.
REQUEST AN ACCOMMODATION
MORE INFORMATION ON INCLUSION
EVENTS
Jewish Disability and Inclusion Awareness Month | February
Disability and Inclusion Shabbat | February 4-5, 2022
Upcoming Events
Mental Health in the Time of COVID
Sunday, June 5 | 12 PM | Beth El Hebrew Congregation
Members of Agudas Achim are invited to join a "lunch-and-learn" program on Social & Emotional Health hosted by the Beth El Inclusion Committee, Women of Reform Judaism, Brotherhood, and Religious School.
Mental health experts and social workers will lead a conversation on the toll that the pandemic has had on on people of all ages. Topics of conversation will include mental health challenges such as anxiety/depression, self-esteem, loneliness/isolation; issues such as equity; and tools/strategies to help us to move forward.
This is a hybrid event. To attend either virtually or in-person, please visit the Beth El website. Registration closes Sunday, May 29.
