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 Toronto 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 alone we have hosted a conference for over 300 educators about classroom inclusion, 3 Shabbatons (weekend retreats), 2 weekly inclusive programs, monthly programs and 5 major holiday programs.

This year Yachad Toronto is piloting a program that provides transportation for our members to and from events. This has been a huge success. It has significantly increased the ability of Yachad members to attend programs, provides respite for families and helps participants to develop independence. We want to continue and extend this program but we cannot do that without your support.

Your gift will help Yachad Toronto provide:

Weekly Social programs
Shabbatons (Weekend retreats)
Holiday Programs
Summer day camp program at Moshava Baiir
Summer sleepaway program at Moshava Ennismore
And spread the message of inclusion throughout the Toronto Jewish Community

When you give now your impact will be tripled by our generous matchers, The Ruderman Family Foundation and The Orthodox Union Join us to celebrate the progress we have made over the past 35 years and show your commitment to moving forward. #35YearsOfInclusion

Toronto Yachad Giving Day 2018

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