Disability Inclusion Stories

Welcome to Federation’s Hot Topics: Inclusion Stories! Read on for reflections from our team and members of the Greater Washington Jewish community, news from around the world and opportunities to create a more inclusive community.

eJewish Philanthropy: As 5784 begins, Jewish communities pushed to consider greater accessibility

originally published in eJewish Philanthropy on September 15, 2023 “Which of the following best describes the areas [in your synagogue] which are accessible to members of your community with physical

Meet Marissa: Advocating for an Inclusive Jewish Community

Marissa Ditkowsky, a member of Federation’s Disability Inclusion Committee and 2022 Capital Chai honoree, is a disabled advocate and attorney currently serving as Disability Economic Justice Counsel at the National

Liz Weintraub, Leader in Disability Advocacy

Liz Weintraub, a member of Federation’s Disability Inclusion Task Force, has a long history of leadership in disability advocacy. Her career has including multiple state and national board and advisory

Pozez JCC’s Inclusion and Disability Services: Fostering Skills for Individuals with Disabilities

Federation partner Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia offers many opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop physical and social skills. Their programs feature small participant-staff ratios and offerings such as

Towards Inclusivity for All

Across the country and in our region, historically Black colleges and universities have been subjected to bomb threats and hateful harassment as Black History Month began. As a Jewish community, we know

Championing the Inclusion of Children and Adults with Disabilities

  For nearly 50 years, Federation Disability Inclusion Committee member, Sara Portman Milner, has made a difference in our community. A social worker by training, Sara is a nationally and

Capital Camps: Living the Values of Inclusion

  From its inception, Capital Camps has elevated the concept of ‘camp for all’. Capital Camps welcomes campers of all backgrounds, denominational affiliation, gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status,

A Camp for All Children

A reflection by Lisa Handelman, Director of Capital Camps In late spring 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, Capital Camps received several emails from parents who shared that there

Flourishing in Jewish Day School

A reflection from Lianne Heller, Executive Director of Sulam When you meet Elana Orlofsky, you will quickly learn that she is a sweet, bubbly, and friendly teenager who loves art,

MOST™ Program Opens Door to Adulthood Through Virtual Spaces

A reflection from Marcy Bennett, Director of MOST Programs and Northern Virginia Residential Services Jewish Foundation for Group Homes Bridging the gap between the completion of secondary school and joining