Inclusive education has come a long way. In the past children with disabilities would not be seen sharing a classroom with their typically-developing peers. Thankfully, students today are growing up in a different school environment.
For many classrooms today students with disabilities learn alongside their peers, proving that inclusive environments benefit everyone and help break down barriers.
In a recent article by Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, he explores the current state of Jewish institutions and the faces of tomorrow.
"Inclusive education leads young adults to demand social justice and equal rights when they enter university and the workforce," Ruderman writes, "They are used to an inclusive environment and see no reason why this should not be the norm."
Disabilites are not something someone should be ashamed of. As educators we can teach our students to accept a person for who they are to ensure equal opportunities for the future.
How can we help students commit to inclusion?
Rudderman starts with the Leviticus in the Torah. "Though we may look different, act different, talk different, we are one and the same."
You can read the full eJewishPhilanthropy article here.
For conversation starters, resources, and more on inclusion, follow our 'Commit to Inclusion' Pinterest board.
This Passover you can celebrate with families with children of all abilities and disabilities with the new Gateways Haggadah. This concise Haggadah is respectful to all participants, whatever their abilities, to ensure that all can take part meaningfully in a complete Passover seder.
For more information and to order your copy, click here.
Quantity discounts available for religious organizations.
