Daily Herald: Disability Awareness

Daily Herald Author: Madhu Krishnamurthy

Northbrook-based Jewish Community Centers Chicago is offering free virtual and in-person programs in February for Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month. The programs are open to all ages.

• Feb. 1: A virtual screening of the award-winning short documentary “My Disability Roadmap” will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The event includes a pre-screening talkback with disability rights advocate Emily Ladau, author of “Demystifying Disability,” and post-film chat with co-director and 21-year-old star Samuel Habib, who drives a 350-pound wheelchair and uses a communication device.
• Feb. 12: Messy Day at the J: Sensory Friendly Edition, 2 to 4 p.m. at Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook. Families can participate in art projects involving slime-making, kinetic sand art, and paint. The program is geared toward children 3 to 10 years and is sensory-friendly with moderate lighting. Noise-canceling headphones will be provided, and a quiet zone with fidgets will be available.

“The J is committed to providing 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,” JCC Chicago’s Inclusion Coordinator Rena Rosen said.

To register for the programs, visit jccchicago.org/jdaim.