Inclusion Campaign
Mission
The mission of the Judith Trust Inclusion Campaign is to encourage Jewish institutions and organisations to consider
how they welcome and include people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. The campaign seeks to highlight
the good practice that exists and to disseminate information on how to develop inclusive policies and practices.
The
Campaign
A central focus of the campaign is a 'day
of inclusion' planned for 2010 to be observed by synagogues across the UK, possibly at Rosh Hashanah or Sukkoth.
We hope that
Rabbi's will introduce the concept through their sermons and ask their congregations for support in carrying out some
practical steps to ensure that children and adults with learning disabilities have greater involvement in Jewish religious
and communal life. This may be a relatively new concept to some and not to others but it is important that all synagogues
and congregations ask themselves; 'Can we do more?'
The Launch
The Official launch of the
Inclusion Campaign was held on Sunday 15th November 2009 at the UK premiere of the documentary film 'Praying with Lior'
at the London Jewish Film Festival.
The film follows Lior, a young man with Down’s syndrome as he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah and provokes the
audience to consider what is ‘disability’ and how can communities include and support those with learning disabilities?
The Judith Trust chose to support the showing of this wonderfully
warm and touching film as it illustrates so clearly the profound effect of a community that accepts, nurtures and celebrates
difference within its community members.
We were delighted that the film maker Ilana Trachtman was able to join
us for the discussion along with Jodie Lerner of Langdon's Supported Living Community. The session was chaired by
Leslie Ironside, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Director of the Centre for Emotional Development.
The film won the Audience Award for the Best Documentary film over the course of the film festival. Find out more about Praying with Lior here.
Support the campaign
- Synagogue members can talk to their Rabbi's and Synagogue committee members
about their inclusion policy and ask for it to be reviewed if necessary.
- You could offer to be an inclusion champion within your Synagogue (The Judith Trust has details on how to go about
this).
- You could offer to organise an Inclusion Shabbat or
Kiddush within your Synagogue and invite all congregants with disabilities, their families and carers.
The Judith Trust has additional specific materials to support working on any of
these suggestions, so please contact us for further information. You can also read more about the Inclusion campaign in Viewpoint magazine.
Please read our briefing
paper using the link below for more detailed ideas and the background to the campaign and download a copy of the campaign
leaflet.
An easy-read leaflet is also available using the link below.
