Source: eJewish Philanthropy
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Ruderman Family Foundation have launched the URJ Ruderman Disabilities Inclusion Learning Center, an innovative and interactive online resource center.
A key element of the far-reaching URJ Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Initiative, this pioneering learning site, open to all, offers visitors the information and strategies to develop truly inclusive congregations where everyone can fully participate in and contribute to Jewish communal life and learning. An equally important goal of the site is to decrease the stigma and misconceptions surrounding disabilities.
The resource center includes dozens of practical, skill-building webinars and print resources created by leading disabilities-inclusion experts.
Users will learn how to incorporate practices that promote inclusion in such areas as early childhood programming, religious school, b’nai mitzvah preparation, worship, and adult and youth programming. Additionally, information will be available about disabilities advocacy and community partnerships. There are questions at the end of each study session to ensure participants have absorbed the material. Finally, users will be encouraged to share questions and comments with one another and with disabilities experts through the site’s discussion board.