Dignity, Accessibility and Respect
Vision: To create an inclusive environment where people of all abilities can meaningfully participate in religious, educational, spiritual, and social life.
Mission: We are dedicated to supporting people of all abilities within our sacred community and facilitating changes to make our synagogue more inclusive and accessible, through a collaborative effort with congregants, clergy and staff.
To facilitate access to any of our services, programming, or activities, please request an accommodation (e.g, ESL interpretation, transcription services, mobility assistance, etc.).
To receive a printed copy of the Rabbi’s Shabbat sermon, please submit this request by Friday at 10:00 am. Ask a Shabbat greeter for your printed copy upon your arrival at Shabbat morning services.
Our focus and key points of interest:
- Support congregants of all abilities, to facilitate full inclusion.
- Receive and respond in a timely manner to accessibility issues and obstacles to meaningful participation in synagogue life.
- Monitor and evaluate CAA programs to improve accessibility needs for adults and children with disabilities within our educational and religious framework.
- Facilitate improvements to make our physical space more accessible to people with disabilities, as our resources allow.
- Offer seating assistance, help with assistive technology and guide to synagogue facilities, upon request.
Current Inclusion and Support Initiatives:
Hearts Of Hope Havurah – Hearts Of Hope Havurah: 70 Faces Of Torah and Kabbalah. We begin with an illuminating shiur (class), followed by an enriching and engaging discussion of our subject matter. We provide an expansive Jewish learning experience for progressive Jewish adults, within a peaceful, harmonious and supportive environment. We are a place to deepen your relationship with Jewish spirituality, connect and belong. We meet in the AJA/CAARS education building on Saturday afternoons. For more information on joining us please contact me at abigailmail18@gmail.com.
Congregation Agudas Achim Religious School (CAARS) – As part of the CAA Community Inclusion initiative, CAARS is consulting with a licensed psychologist to facilitate accommodations for students with special needs.
Building Improvements –We are working to make our building and sacred space more accessible to people with disabilities, as resources allow.
Fidget Toy Initiative – We’re excited to share a new addition to our sanctuary: a fidget toy bin! The bin offers fidget toys for congregants—especially those with attention deficit or other special needs— to help support focus and engagement during our spirited services.
Suggestions or Feedback for The Inclusion Committee?
Your comments will be received by a CAA Community Inclusion Staff Liaison and distributed as needed to Inclusion Committee Members.
Resources:
http://inclusioninnovations.com/