Living with Disabilities

September began National Voter Registration Month and this week is Disability Voting Rights Week! This week is a national, nonpartisan initiative dedicated to building the power and presence of the disability vote by getting people with disabilities registered and ready to vote, and spearheading voter education and community engagement opportunities, and more!

Today we celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the landmark legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government' programs and services, and more.

February marked the 14th annual Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month, also known as JDAIM. JDAIM's mission is "to unite Jewish communities worldwide to raise awareness and champion the rights of all Jews to be accepted and included in all aspects of Jewish life like anyone else."

February is typically a busy month for me and for my fellow Jews with disabilities. It is JDAIM-Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion month. As the first female Deaf ordained Rabbi, I am often asked to speak, write, teach Torah, and share insights on how we can create a more inclusive Jewish community.