A Call to Action

Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), celebrated each February, is a time to raise awareness and champion the rights, gifts, and strengths of Jews with disabilities.

“You belong” has been woven through the fabric of JCC Chicago for over one hundred years. It is our commitment to provide inclusive opportunities designed to meet the needs of all our members and beyond. From Early Childhood to our day and overnight camps, to adult programming, inclusion of those with disabilities has always been at the forefront of our mission.

Each February, along with the unified effort among many Jewish organizations around the world, we celebrate our multitude of inclusive programming. Take a look at some of our past programs below!

Messy Day at the J: Sensory Friendly Edition

Bring your little ones to the J for a morning of sensory-friendly playtime! It’s messy, creative, and oh-so-fun! Perfect for kids aged 3-10, this program invites young imaginations to explore with paint, shaving cream, kinetic sand, and more. We provide a safe, sensory-friendly space where curious minds can explore and express themselves through engaging activities. This program is free to participate, but registration is requested.

woman and child pointing while looking out a window

ReelAbilities Chicago: Only I Can Hear

Join us for a screening of the documentary Only I Can Hear in celebration of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). In search of a place between two disparate worlds, three teenage Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs), come of age in the vibrant, loud Deaf community. This documentary asks what it means to exist between different cultures and how you can define your sense of identity. Film screening followed by Q&A with Sarah & Marsha Kopp. Sarah is the daughter of a deaf parent. FREE and open to the public, reservations are required.

An Accessible Bat Mitzvah – Talkback With 13-Year-Old Disability Rights Advocate

In case you missed it, enjoy this inspiring conversation featuring Gavi Engel-Yan, a 13-year-old disability advocate and activist from Ontario, Canada. Gavi was born with a rare neuromuscular condition called nemaline myopathy causing her to be in a wheelchair and affects her speaking voice.

Gavi dedicated her bat mitzvah to advocating for accessibility in the Jewish world. During this virtual talkback, she addressed the joys and oy’s preparing for this milestone in her Jewish life and how she overcame barriers as a young Jewish girl with disabilities trying to participate in Jewish communal life.

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Messy Day At The J : Sensory Friendly Edition (2024)

We loved welcoming our community to get in on the mess! Families enjoyed kinetic sand, slime, shaving cream, face and finger paints and much more. While this program is fun for the whole family, it also offers a space for children to step away from the mess and find a quiet zone with fidgets and noise cancelling headphones. We hope you’ll join us for our next Messy Day!

Why You Should Participate in JDAIM with Us

Raise awareness and affirm that inclusion and belonging are essential to well-being and quality of life of people with disabilities, mental health conditions and caregivers—like anyone else.

Underscore the importance of choosing one’s own Jewish journey.

Support people with disabilities and mental health conditions in all aspects of communal life—as they choose.

Be part of a growing worldwide initiative to support participation and involvement in communal life.

Advocate for the civil rights of people with disabilities and mental health conditions.

Understand and overcome stigma, prejudice, biases, stereotypes, and myths about disability and mental health conditions.