Inclusion

Goals:

• Enable all PAS members to participate in existing programming, worship, education, and social events
• Create new programs and networks that address the specific needs of individuals, their families, and their caregivers and to expand the opportunities for engagement and accessibility
• Ensure all our facilities and rituals are accessible to all
• Raise awareness of inclusion challenges in the entire PAS community (clergy, lay leaders, congregants,and staff)
• Foster collaboration in addressing the issues of inclusion, growing sensitivity and establishing open lines of communication

Current inclusion efforts that address the needs of our congregation include:

• Educational and social supports in the Penn Family Early Childhood Center, Congregational School, and the Youth and Teen programs
• Accessible entrances, seating, and hearing and vision enhancement in our Sanctuary and classrooms
• Alternative spaces and programming to enable participation at synagogue-wide events like the Purim Carnival, Simhat Torah Evening Celebration, and Mitzvah Day
• Programming during JDAIM, Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, (annually in February) highlighting issues that affect PAS members

We hope to implement additional inclusion programming in 2019-2020:

• Supported work environments for young adults with learning and other developmental disabilities
• Peer-to-peer efforts that enable the wider PAS community to meet and support one another, e.g., enhanced usher/greeter training, Food Pantry PALs, and the development of PALs programming in the YFE, ECC, and Congregational School
• Website links to community resources, articles and events that emphasize inclusion
• Professionally facilitated training and support for clergy, board, and staff

Here are additional resources including links to sermons, lectures, podcasts, blogs, and other information.