What We Do

Every year, our agencies focus on making sure individuals with disabilities and their families are successful. With the pandemic, we made sure that our community did not lose access to valuable services and resources. Here is what we have accomplished:

• Since going virtual, attendance at SHEMESH’s support group for parents of children with attention and executive function issues has tripled. This success has led to the creation of a quarterly support group for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders.
• The Jill Fox Memorial Fund, a supporting foundation of The Associated, provided grants to local families to purchase equipment necessary for virtual visits like occupational therapy and funds to work with psychiatrists for extra support during educational transitions. The Fund is administered by the Macks Center for Jewish Education.
• Jewish Community Services’ (JCS) Employment Support Services helped individuals with varying abilities work on employment skills during the pandemic, reformatting programming to focus on social engagement. Through cooking classes, a coffee club, arts and crafts, and so much more – all over zoom – JCS married the desire for socialization with goal setting, mock interviews, and skills training, just to name a few. 
• The Baltimore Jewish Abilities Alliance continued to promote inclusive, spirited programming. The BJAA provides vital access to services, support groups, workshops and clinics, connecting individuals with disabilities and their families to the resources they need.

Who We’ve Helped

Below is just one of the many success stories we have seen throughout our community. Batsheva, who today teaches kindergarteners Hebrew and English at a Jewish Day school, grew up with a learning disability. But thanks to SHEMESH, she was set on a path for success and ultimately earned a graduate degree in teaching. Listen to her story from our Pull Up A Chair Podcast.
 

What’s Happening Now

Below is just a sample of all JDAIM events and activities in our community.

We encourage you to check out the full month of events being offered through the Center for Jewish Education (CJE).

JDAIM Tot Shabbat | February 11,18,25
Join the fun at a special JDAIM Tot Shabbat featuring special friends and stories with an inclusive message.
Email jwohl@cjebaltimore.org for more information.

Intro to ASL Class| February 14, 21, 28
In just four sessions, learn basic vocabulary and grammar, beginning conversational skills and get an introduction to deaf culture and community. For ages 14 and up. Cost: $40
Register online

Being Heumann | February 22
Join Baltimore Jewish Abilities Alliance for a conversation with American Disability Rights Activist Judy Heumann. Judy is a civil rights icon who was integral in advocating for the passing of the American with Disabilities Act. Her memoir, Being Heumann and her tweens/teens book Rolling Warrior, tell her story of fighting for acceptance and inclusion for all people.
Registration required

If you or a loved one is looking for more information and resources for people with disabilities, visit our Baltimore Jewish Abilities Alliance