Inclusion Lifts Sinai

Lisa Greenman, co-chair of Sinai's Access & Inclusion Committee, writes:

There have been so many developments since our June meeting that Ann and I would like to update you now for fear of losing track.  There is no particular order to this list. 

·         Representatives of the Access & Inclusion Committee met by phone with Temple Sinai’s JSSA (Jewish Social Services Agency) synagogue liaison.  JSSA is going to launch a new initiative to promote and support synagogue access and inclusion and will also seek to play a significant role in the destigmatization of mental illness in the Jewish community.

·         At our June 12 meeting we discussed the “roadmap” document, which outlines goals and objectives for the coming year and beyond.  But at the same time – who has time to wait when it’s clear what should be done?  - we have already begun implementing some of the objectives.  The draft document has been improved by many suggestions.  The very enthusiastic response it has received has been so encouraging and gratifying.  We hope to have the document finalized by the end of August – but again, we are moving forward already with many of the ideas contained in it.  Ellen Agler, incidentally, has been extraordinarily active on the issues this committee is concerned about.   

·         Ann Sloane and I have had a great meeting with the new Director of Congregational Learning, Cantor Rebecca Robins.  Not surpisingly, Rebecca is very sensitized to issues related to disability, special needs and inclusion and is very enthusiastic about working together with this committee.  Even before our meeting, she had already begun reaching out to religious school families that have self-identified as having special education needs.  We had a great discussion with Rebecca and we look forward to working with her. 

·         Ellen Agler has added information about accommodations for those with disabilities in a letter that will go out to congregants in August.  It will say something along these lines: Accessibility for Members with Disabilities and Special Needs Temple Sinai welcomes adults and children with disabilities and special needs, and makes accommodations so that access to our Services and programs goes smoothly.  If you need a ride to services or a temple program, special parking or seating arrangements,  to discuss special learning issues or other individual needs,  please contact the temple office at 202-363-6394 so we can help reduce or eliminate barriers to your participation. In addition, there will be language added to the membership application.  There will also be information about accommodations placed in a prominent location on the Temple Sinai website, which is presently being redesigned. 

·         Ann Ingram and Marilyn Brown attended a WIN-sponsored meeting on disability issues at Blessed Sacrament.  WIN is planning to launch a disability rights advocacy campaign and Temple Sinai members are encouraged to participate.  Robin Shaffert is taking a leading role in this in connection with the Temple Sinai Social Action Committee.

·         Jinny and Bob Stern volunteered to participate in a task force that is looking at non-construction options for improving parking at Temple Sinai. 

·         Ann Sloane and I have reached out to the Building Committee to ask that in the short-term a ramp to the lower door by the elevator be created.  We understand that longer-term, larger scale approaches are being explored, but in the meantime we feel this is a need that cannot wait. 

·         Following discussion at our June meeting, Ann Ingram reached out to Ellen Leibenluft, past co-chair of the Ritual Committee and a new member of the Board of Trustees, to see if she would talk with our committee about issues relating to mental illness, destigmatization and inclusion in our community.  Dr. Leibenluft, who is a psychiatrist, has agreed to talk with us about how we might approach these issues. 

·         We have submitted material for the Temple Sinai Yearbook, which is distributed during the High Holiday services.  They include an announcement of the Shabbat service honoring Jewish Disability Awareness Month, which will take place on Friday, February 8, 2013.