Pride For Apachi & Disability Inclusion
My daughter, Libi, lives up to her name every day. Libi means “my heart” in Hebrew. She was born with Williams Syndrome, a genetic condition often characterized by medical issues, learning challenges, and an affinity for music and incredibly loving personality. Libi is truly the heart of our family and the choices we make are guided by her needs, which is why when it came time to look for a summer camp, we chose Apachi Day Camp.
Most people don’t realize the difficulties families face finding safe, reliable, accommodating and fun summer camps for their disabled children. Apachi Day Camp is all these things and more. It is taking society an exceptionally long time to integrate disabled people into common life experiences and JCC Chicago, along with Apachi Day Camp, are at the forefront of this essential shift. Disabled children have the right to access the same variety and high-quality camps that are available to non-disabled children. Segregating children based on disability contributes to discrimination and isolation, especially during the summer months when school is out. All children need a foundation of inclusion and accessibility if we want to see equal opportunity and health for everyone.
This is the aspect of Apachi’s Inclusion Program that I’m most grateful for – that all my children, disabled and non-disabled, can share the childhood experience of going to camp together. This shared experience is really how Libi benefits the most from her days at Apachi. She feels welcomed every day, participates with her non-disabled peers in a variety of activities and, quite simply, is allowed the freedom to be a kid with every other kind of kid. Of course, the same is true for my non-disabled children and the non-disabled campers at Apachi, as well. They too have been given the opportunity to experience life, friendship and camp with disabled peers which only normalizes disability and creates acceptance, inclusion and justice for the future.
I am incredibly proud of Libi. I am proud of who she is, what she has accomplished in just 7 years of her life, and what she’s taught and given to those around her. Walking in the Chicago Disability Pride Parade with the J and Apachi Day Camp was a day of joy for me and an opportunity to show off my beautiful daughter, while proving that we can and do have inclusion, acceptance and pride for our disabled loved ones. I have never felt connected with religion, but it’s easy to relish in the humor, the food and the genuine emphasis on creating space for disabled people that the Jewish community exudes.
Amy Nussbaum lives in Chicago and is a devoted mother to her four children and an exceptional amount of animals. All four children attend Apachi Hyde Park and her oldest children also attend JCC Camp Chi. Amy serves on the Board of Trustees for the Williams Syndrome Association and is passionate about disability rights and social justice. You can find Amy after the kids’ bedtime at the comedy club or walking around Lakeview ranting on the phone. Follow Amy on Instagram @marchforth37 to learn more about Williams syndrome and disability pride.