Inclusion Programming

Does this congregation have an inclusion committee?

Yes

Developing Our Program

Temple Shalom has always been conscious of the diverse needs of our temple community- from our youngest learners in our nursery school to our very large and active seniors- and has engaged in efforts to promote inclusion and involvement. In early 2015, we invited congregants to join our Inclusive Community Task Force so we could address issues of inclusion and diversity more strategically and holistically. Rabbi Allison Berry has been an active and enthusiastic leader of the community and continues to inspire and encourage the committee and congregation to transform the culture of our community to be a model of inclusion.

The Inclusive Community Task Force has developed a four-part strategy for implementing our vision of an Inclusive Community. Working groups are implementing initiatives in each area:

• Communications and Vision: increasing access to information for people with disabilities; updating disability language on our website and materials; changing the language on our membership materials and school applications; training of ushers, clergy and staff; improving signage; and offering opportunities for people with disabilities’ voices to be heard.

• Youth Engagement and Education: Raised the money and created a budget to create the role of Director of Inclusion. Our Director currently works for Temple Shalom 32 hours/week and supports staff, children in families in nursery school and Grades K-8. We have also improved our madrichim (teen teaching assistant) selection process, training and support; re-engineered b’nai mitzvah process for students with learning differences; new intake process for children into our education programs; integrated special needs supports into family events; increased professional aides; specialized hebrew instruction for pre-b’nai mitzvah children with learning differences; parent support group; special inclusion oriented programming for school aged children.

• Worship: “Inclusion cart” at all worship services; usher training; laminated accessibility and inclusion sheets; transportation for seniors; sound system improvements; vision and hearing supports; quiet rooms; special accommodations during high holidays.

• Senior and Adult Engagement: programming; overview of food policies to accommodate food sensitivities at all temple events, oneg and dinners; outreach to seniors. We have recently launched a new mental health initiative to help mitigate stigma and better educate our community about those in need.

Number of people involved in the effort: 50

Involving People with Disabilities

We have included all “stakeholders” in the planning and execution of our inclusion efforts. It is important to our congregation that participation be community-wide. Several adults with both visible and invisible disabilities have worked with the committee, educators, clergy and staff to set the inclusion agenda and implement our short- and long-term plans.

Funding This Effort

The Temple Shalom board has been extremely supportive of inclusion efforts for the congregation and has increased spending on inclusion every year. This year, the board approved funding for a full-time inclusion director for our religious school. The Sisterhood has also been a generous partner for these efforts, helping to finance inclusion staff and to partner on programs for the community on important topics such as mental health.

Temple Shalom is proudly partnered with the Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project, a partnership between Combined Jewish Philanthropies and the Ruderman Family Foundation to support synagogues in creating communities where people of all abilities are valued equally and participate fully.

Helpful Agencies & Organizations

Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project, a partnership between Combined Jewish Philanthropies and the Ruderman Family Foundation to support synagogues in creating communities where people of all abilities are valued equally and participate fully.

We work closely with Gateways: Access to Jewish Education to ensure that every child has access to Jewish Education. Our K-6 program has two special educators on staff.

Spreading Awareness About Our Work

Our commitment to inclusion is expressed in this statement that appears on our website and in our communications:

Temple Shalom is deeply committed to inclusive Jewish education, programming, and worship and welcoming and supporting all members of our sacred community.

Within our congregation, communication has been a priority. Presentations on our inclusion initiatives have been included in board meetings and at our annual sustaining members event for congregants. T High Holiday and Shabbat ushers have received inclusion training and are supported with materials that are available at synagogue events and programs (the Inclusion Cart is available at the entrance for all worship and laminated Inclusion Sheet is distributed in the sanctuary). All of our registration materials for events, religious school and membership have clear inclusive language. Signage is visible and appropriate.

Externally, Temple Shalom members have spoken eloquently about how welcoming and inclusive our community has become. At the May 2017 Ruderman Inclusion Event, one of our members, an adult with autism who volunteers at the synagogue, spoke about his experience as an important part of Temple Shalom. Rabbi Berry’s articles on inclusion have received national attention.