Jewish Disability Advocacy Month

Jewish Disability Advocacy Month starts this week and in addition to the incredible lineup of educational programs, we want to draw your attention to three special networking opportunities. Join us and NJHSA Member RespectAbility for a series of convenings for advocates throughout North America. More info below!
 
And don’t forget to join us for the kick-off event this Wednesday at 7pm EST/4pm PST
for a moving conversation with the renowned Itzhak Perlman, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Reps, John Katko, Kim Schrier, and a special message from Rep. Jamie Raskin, who just lost his son to mental illness. And, we will be featuring the story of a young man with a disability who has thrived due to the support of the agencies like
JFS of Metrowest.
RespectAbility Networking Sessions
 
Thursday, February 4th at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
 
Topics:
Owning Our Passion, Finding Our Fight and Building a Culture of Belonging.
 
Thursday, February 11 at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
 
Topics:
Addressing Mental Health Challenges and Isolation, Disability in Israel, and Empowering Youth with Disabilities and Their Families.
 
Thursday, February 18 at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
 
Topics:
Advocacy and Civic Engagement on Disability Issues.
NJHSA Sessions
Mental Health and Isolation
Featured Partner: NJHSA 
Monday, 2/8 3pm EST

One of the most unfortunate by-products of the COVID pandemic has been the need for forced social isolation. Those who struggle with mental health challenges have been particularly impacted. Join us to hear about the cutting edge efforts of the Jewish human service sector to help people weather this crisis and learn communal strategies to reduce the stigma that often prevents those in need from seeking help.

Featuring The Blue Dove Foundation, Jewish Family Service Houston, and the Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County.
Ready, Willing and Able: Disability
in Israel
Wednesday, 2/10 12pm EST

How can the drive for disability inclusion in Israel inform our own strategy? This session showcases trail blazers leading the charge for societal change by launching innovative programs focused on empowerment and independence, and forging partnerships with policy makers. Hear from Odelia Fitoussi, the first Israeli representative to the United Nations Committee on Persons with Disabilities, and other leaders who have modeled practices that have been enacted into law and policy. Learn about the vital role North American Jewry plays in these ground-breaking efforts.
Mobilizing Canadians for Inclusion
Featured Partner: CIJA
Tuesday, February 16 3pm EST

CIJA will welcome the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. This interactive discussion will explore the state of disability inclusion in Canada, ways the government has sought to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on people living with disabilities and concrete steps officials can take to build inclusive communities.
Smart Business:
The Case for Inclusive Hiring
Wednesday, February 17 12pm EST

People with disabilities want to be able to work, become taxpayers, and achieve the American dream just like anyone else. For employers and business owners, a diverse workforce inspires innovative thinking and is good business. Hear from corporate and nonprofit leaders about how employees with disabilities make organizations - whether large or small - stronger.