Flashback to 1983. What does the Jewish community look like for people with disabilities?

For some it was being asked to leave services because they were too distracting. For others it was never having a bar mitzvah because it was assumed they could not learn to read Torah. For some it was spending Shabbat afternoon at home alone because no one ever invited them for a meal. For others it meant never having the opportunity to travel to Israel.

For most people with disabilities, there was no opportunity to meaningfully participate in Jewish communal life.

Our community has seen significant change over the past 35 years. There are now inclusive summer programs and trips to Israel that enable people with disabilities to participate. More and more synagogues have moved to make their physical space accessible. And community institutions are creating inclusion committees to make their programs more inclusive. Yet there is still work to be done.

We at Yachad Chicago have dedicated ourselves to collapsing barriers within the Jewish community. As the only International Jewish organization solely dedicated to inclusion, Yachad connects individuals of all ages and abilities, so that together we can actualize our greatest impact in the world.

Because of your friendship and support, this past year we have opened a vocational and day services program, piloted GO B’Yachad (a girls only social program), reached nearly 1,000 community members through shabbatons, and more. For the Past 15 years we have impacted the Chicagoland Jewish community, but there is much more work to be done. Partner with Yachad Chicago and help us grow!

Your gift will help Yachad Chicago provide:

Social/recreational inclusive programming
Shabbatonim
Supports for the whole family
Sensitivity trainings in schools
Summer Programs
Teen leadership experiences
Biennial Midwest Family Shabbaton
Day services, including day program along with vocational placement and support
And spread the message of inclusion throughout the Chicago Jewish Community

When you give now your impact will be tripled by our generous matchers, The Ruderman Family Foundation and The Orthodox Union. Thank you for joining us in celebrating 15 years of progress in Chicago. Your support today enables us to provide needed services and opportunities within our community in the years to come.

Chicago Yachad Giving Day 2018

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