Disability Inclusion

Home

At Agudas Achim we are committed to being a truly inclusive spiritual community. We welcome the participation, leadership, and friendship of all individuals without regard to physical, emotional, cognitive, sensory, or communicative ability.
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 also has an audio loop and we offer assistive listening devices.
An audio loop is scheduled for installation in the Flax Family Chapel in summer 2020; currently, amplification is used for all services and classes in the Flax Chapel.
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

To request an accommodation at Agudas Achim, please fill out the Agudas Achim Disability Inclusion Questionnaire, available in a paper copy from the office, or contact the Disability Inclusion Committee for a confidential conversation.

MORE INFORMATION ON INCLUSION

EVENTS

Jewish Disability and Inclusion Awareness Month | February
Disability and Inclusion Shabbat | February 21-23

Tue, February 25 2020
30 Shevat 5780

Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month

at Agudas Achim
February 2020

Disability and Inclusion Shabbat
Friday, February 21 | 6:30 p.m. | Flax Family Chapel
Saturday, February 22 | 9:30 a.m. | Cohen Sanctuary
Join us for Shabbat services Friday night and Saturday morning to hear Shelly Christensen, MA, FAIDD, author of “From Longing to Belonging, A Practical Guide to Including People with Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions in Your Faith Community.”
Shelly will address specific concerns at a Q&A after morning services in the Flax Family Chapel, starting at 12:30 p.m.
Special Program: Supporting Families with Disabilities
Shabbat, February 22 | 1:45 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Flax Family Chapel
As a parent, Shelly has been on the Journey to Hope herself. She will talk about the needs of parents when their child is diagnosed and the different stages of their journey.
Inclusion Brunch
Sunday, February 23 | 9:30 a.m.
Co-sponsored by the Agudas Achim Inclusion Committee, Sisterhood and Men's Club, this brunch is an opportunity to learn frmo disability rights attorney Gina Kline. RSVP to the free brunch for an accurate head count.
Reelabilities Film Festival: "Deej"
Sunday, February 23 | 4 p.m.
Agudas Achim is a festival co-sponsor with Beth El Hebrew Congregation. Screening takes place at Beth El, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304. Free admission. RSVP for seat count.

Details about the weekend can be found here.

Monthly Coffees

to Support Families with Disabilities

All parents are welcome -- from those who aren't yet sure if their family is dealing with disabilities or other challenges to those who have significant experience and advice to share. We welcome families dealing with, but not limited to, ADHD, sensory processing, autism spectrum, food allergies, mental health concerns, physical disabilities, and anyone else who would like to join.

Questions? Contact Debbie Perry

2020 Meeting dates

January 12
February 9 - location TBD
March 15
April 19
May 17

All coffees will meet in the Agudas Achim Schonberger Library unless otherwise noted.

Tue, February 25 2020 30 Shevat 5780

Disability Inclusion