An Inclusive Community
is a Stronger Community


With more than 60 million Americans living with disabilities, it’s not uncommon for families in Jewish Baltimore to know a child, sibling, neighbor or friend who experiences some kind of disability.

We are devoted to the inclusion of children and adults who live with disabilities. Whether it’s through special education, advocacy programs, hands-on training and rehabilitation, we strive to help those with disabilities excel in their day-to-day lives.

In Leviticus 19:14, we are commanded, “You shall not insult the deaf, or place a stumbling block before the blind.”

Stumbling blocks come in many forms, from less-than-accessible buildings, employment challenges and educational barriers to healthcare that is difficult to access and navigate.

We work tirelessly to remove these stumbling blocks and provide opportunities for people of all abilities to achieve their highest potential and lead independent, fulfilled lives as members of our community.

In Jewish Baltimore, each person is cared for, welcomed and accepted.

How We Help

The Baltimore Jewish Abilities Alliance (JAA) is the Jewish community’s network that links individuals with disabilities, and their families, to resources, services, support groups, workshops and clinics and recreational programs within their community. The vision of the JAA is to promote an inclusive, spirited environment that celebrates the diversity in our community and the uniqueness of every member. Their website serves as a user-friendly gateway to resources in the Jewish or general community for people with disabilities. For more information and resources, visit the Baltimore Jewish Abilities Alliance website.

SHEMESH, an agency of The Associated, serves as a community-wide program in Baltimore providing the educational support necessary for Jewish children with learning differences to reach their full intellectual, academic, emotional and social potential in a Jewish setting. Services are offered in each school in accordance with the school’s educational and religious policies. For more information and find help, visit SHEMESH.

At the Louise D. and Morton J. Macks Center for Jewish Connections, we empower individuals to explore and deepen their own Jewish journeys – inspiring them to form lasting connections to a diverse, inclusive and vibrant Baltimore Jewish community.

Within the Disability and Inclusion Services department, it is our goal that in Jewish Baltimore, each person is cared for, welcomed and accepted. We are committed to enhancing the connection to Jewish life and learning for individuals of all abilities regardless of intellectual, emotional, physical and learning differences or exceptionalities. Through the Jewish Connection Network individuals develop their Jewish educational, spiritual, cultural, social and religious lives so that they can participate in Jewish life to the fullest extent possible.

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