What's Happening?
The JCC Movement, a major platform for Jewish engagement in North America, is actively working to enhance inclusion for people with disabilities within Jewish communities. A recent study by Matan highlighted that individuals with disabilities and their
families participate in Jewish communal life at significantly lower rates compared to secular counterparts. This discrepancy is attributed to a lack of systemic support and reliance on single roles for inclusion efforts, creating bottlenecks and preventing widespread change. In response, the JCC Association has developed Eight Guiding Principles on Inclusion, rooted in Jewish values, to integrate inclusion into all aspects of their work. These principles are shared in various formats to ensure accessibility and are used by many JCCs to demonstrate their commitment to inclusion. The movement also hosts an Inclusion Peer Community, which gathers professionals to discuss and improve inclusion practices. Recent initiatives include adaptive fitness programs and a focus on fundraising for inclusion, challenging the notion that such efforts are non-revenue-generating.
Why It's Important?
The JCC Movement's efforts to promote inclusion are crucial for fostering a more equitable and participatory Jewish community. By addressing the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully engaging in communal life, the movement is working to create a more inclusive environment that reflects core Jewish values. This initiative not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also strengthens the overall community by promoting diversity and acceptance. The movement's approach serves as a model for other organizations, demonstrating that inclusion can be effectively integrated into existing structures and practices. The emphasis on fundraising for inclusion also highlights the potential for these efforts to be sustainable and impactful, encouraging other organizations to prioritize inclusion in their agendas.
