RespectAbility’s Disability Training and Speakers Bureau is a key tool in preparing your organization to create access for everyone whom you want to bring into your tent. As you begin to plan for Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), book one of our dynamite speakers to help your community be welcoming and inclusive of people with physical, sensory, cognitive, mental health or other disabilities!
We watched in horror this week as a lack of knowledge in planning denied the UN Climate Summit the wisdom of Israeli Energy Minister Karine Elharrar. We know that we are at our strongest when this type of exclusion does not rob us of the wisdom and participation of our children, parents, grandparents and friends with disabilities.
The following two presentations would be particularly useful in accomplishing this goal, teaching you things you don’t know you don’t know, and preventing challenges before they arise:
Ensuring Accessible In-Person and Virtual Events
Seventy-two percent of nonprofit organizations say they have a policy of nondiscrimination against people with disabilities. But, few know how to take the simple steps to make their programming truly accessible. In this practical session, you will learn how to use an accessibility checklist that will help you assess a building’s accessibility and learn how to offer accommodations such as sign language interpreters, live captioning or food allergy alternatives. As many organizations continue to host virtual events, learn how to ensure they are fully accessible to all as well. This session is designed to train organizations to ensure that their practices match their principles of inclusion. This session is perfect for staff or organizations hosting events, either virtually or in person.
Disability 101: Ensuring Best Practices in Disability Inclusion
What is disability? Who does it impact and how can you be welcoming, respectful and inclusive of people with disabilities? In this practical and easy to follow session, you will learn about the disability community, as well as disability inclusion and etiquette. Through humor and insights, speakers with disabilities share best practices, along with how to avoid common mistakes. After the session, you will be better able to recognize, respect and interact with people with disabilities, as consumers, colleagues, family and friends. Sessions start with 20-30 minutes of foundational ideas and tips, and then open up for questions. This topic is extremely popular as a virtual “lunch and learn” for nonprofits, governmental, equity and other organizations as well as disability employee resource groups.
