Five Ways to Make Your Fall Jewish Holiday Programming More Inclusive in 5785

The Jewish fall holidays are a time for reflection, connection, family, and community. For many individuals and their families, though, this season can instead be a time of feeling disconnected from family and community, especially when the dynamics of holiday gatherings don’t work for them. Here are five considerations that may help make your programming and experiences more inclusive of people with disabilities.

1. Building Relationships – It is always important for community members to know that their needs are taken seriously. Be sure to include messaging that encourages congregants to reach out with their accessibility needs ahead of time. The person on the receiving end of these calls and emails is there to listen to the individual, and have a “yes” mindset and a willingness to “think outside the box.” If there is a request you cannot accommodate, be mindful about what you can offer and how that is communicated. For example, if you do not have a particular support mechanism in place, ask the individual to tell you more about what they need. You may be able to come up with a solution together. 

2. Physical Accessibility – Ramps and elevators are just the beginning. Some things to think about are:

• • audio devices in your services and programming for individuals with hearing deficits.
  • large-print Siddurim (prayerbooks) and Machzorim (High Holiday prayerbooks), often seen as an ‘easy’ solution for people with visual impairments, can be very heavy to hold. You might consider ordering magnifying sheets for congregants to use with the regular-sized prayer books.
  • portable music stands for congregants to hold their Siddurim or Machzorim if needed. Remember to ensure there is sufficient space to support this accommodation. 
  • trained ushers, who can make a tremendous difference in helping congregants access the available inclusive supports and feel welcomed in your community.

3. Visual Supports – Signage at the entrances and throughout the building is helpful for all congregants and critically important for others. Make sure your signs are clear and visible to all, regardless of height and wheelchair use. Visual schedules for all of your services and programming are also a great asset, and should be standard in all of your children’s services. Visual page number counters are also extremely helpful for adults

4. Sensory Needs and Supports – Many of us (or our family members) can experience overstimulation at times, leading to dysregulation and discomfort. Consider these easy measures to help make your services and programming more sensory-friendly:

• • ear plugs, particularly during shofar blowing and Hakafot (dancing with the Torah)
  • sensory pathways in the building to support children who need a break and some sensory input
  • basket of fidget tools to use during services, benefiting people who need to be doing something with their hands in order to focus and be present.
  • a calm zone, where individuals can experience the ‘main’ event in a place that supports their sensory needs (i.e. Hakafot in the main sanctuary, and then a calmer version in a different room).

5. Buddies – Some children and adults can benefit from having a buddy who can support them during services and programming. Being a buddy may involve transportation or accompaniment to and from programming, providing a friendly presence or helping individuals access support to engage in activities or services.

Always remember that people with and without disabilities share the same goal: everyone wants to feel a sense of belonging in their community. We each have the opportunity to provide that experience. If you need further assistance in brainstorming access needs, please feel free to be in touch with us at Matan.  Shana Tova!