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.
Copies of Praying with Lior can be purchased via
the official website:
www.prayingwithlior.com
How you can 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.
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.
