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Disability Inclusion
Disability Inclusion
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.
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 4-5, 2022
Fri, October 22 2021
16 Cheshvan 5782
Jewish Disability and Inclusion Month, February 2022
Inclusion Month at Agudas Achim
Inclusion Shabbat
Saturday, February 5 | 9:30 AM
Details forthcoming.
Nationwide Inclusion Programs
Jewish organizations in North America are sponsoring more than 30 fantastic programs on inclusion in February. Find them on JewishTogether.org.
Some highlights include:
• Inclusion for overnight and day camps
• Teens may earn a certificate for attending 2 Yachad InclYOUsion Education Workshops
• Smart Business: The Case for Inclusive Hiring
• Fighting stigma with effective storytelling
Fri, October 22 2021 16 Cheshvan 5782
