February is Jewish Disability, Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), a continental initiative highlighted during the month of February—and realized year-round—to raise awareness and support efforts to foster inclusion in Jewish communities worldwide. As part of JCC Association of North America’s ongoing commitment to inclusion efforts throughout the JCC Movement, we are proud to present a series of programs featuring our JCCs of North America and invited guest speakers.

February 11

A Culture of Belonging: Arts, Culture, and Play

Register Here

Host: Adrienne Matros, JCC Association board member, Newport Coast, CA
Moderator: Scott Ehrlich, CEO, David Posnack JCC, Davie, FL

This session will feature three presentations:

The Gib Shop: A Very Special Gift Shop on Wheels: Debbie Lombard, Giborim U director, David Posnack JCC, Davie, FL
“Extraordinary goods sold by extraordinary people” is an apt description for the Gib Shop, which supports individuals, families, small businesses, and the JCC and its community. Products sold at the Gib Shop are created by artists with exceptional abilities.

Theatre for All–20 Years of Shows With a Special Cast: Laura Seymour, director of camping services, Aaron Family JCC of Dallas, TX      
Learn how the Dallas J creates musical theater favorites from “My Fair Lady” to “Grease” and “Fiddler on the Roof” featuring casts of adults with developmental disabilities and a crew of teen volunteers.

Beyond Access and Tolerance: Designing an Inclusive Space: Sara Wasserman, Director of the Blaustein Early Childhood Center at the Birnbaum JCC in Bridgewater, NJ, and Sheva Center Leadership Institute Fellow
Learn the story of an outdoor classroom and sensory garden and how they were designed and created to be used and enjoyed by all. Kathy Pomer, director, Sheva Center: Innovation in Early Childhood Jewish Education and Engagement, JCC Association of North America, will interview Wasserman to bring this story to life.