ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION

Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley, based in Allentown, works with individuals and families whose lives are impacted by challenges related to intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities. The doctorate level Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator specializes in resources to foster greater self-reliance and independence, including facilitating psychoeducational support groups for adults with disabilities as well as for their parents and siblings.

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Creating spaces where everyone feels empowered, supported, and valued a navigate life’s unique challenges and opportunities.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Adults with Disabilities and Their Families

Participants interested in a group should contact Dr. Amanda Thomas at  accessibility@jfslv.org to schedule a preliminary meeting.

ADULTS WITH A DISABILITY

In the Empowerment Group participants may expand their skills in:

  • Social networking
  • Social media safety
  • Healthy and unhealthy relationships
  • Creating boundaries
  • Dating
  • Conversations and icebreakers
  • Fostering independence
Introduction
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PARENTS OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

Connect with other parents navigating transitions and discuss:

  • Circles of control/support
  • Stages of change
  • Accessing resources
  • Presuming competence
  • Future planning toolkit
  • Able account
  • Self care
Introduction
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ADULT SIBLINGS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Meet with other siblings of individuals with disabilities and learn more about:

  • Future planning toolkit
  • Circles of control/support
  • Self care
  • Stages of change
  • Accessing resources
  • Presuming competence
Introduction
Click Here for Contact Form

All support groups:

  • Are confidential
  • Groups are not drop-in; registration is required
  • Fees vary by group, sliding scale available
  • Are ongoing throughout the year

Interested in a group? Contact Dr. Amanda Thomas at  accessibility@jfslv.org to schedule a preliminary meeting.

TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

JFS provides education and best practices to help organizations promote inclusion and embrace diversity. We partner with local synagogues and community agencies to offer training and professional development.

Examples of trainings include:

Accessibility Site Visits

are designed to help your synagogue benchmark progress and generate ideas for new areas of exploration and growth (at little to no cost).

LGBTQIA+ Cultural Competency Training

helps professional staff to increase awareness and sensitivity when supporting and interacting with the LGBTQ+ community.

Disability Best Practices Training

provides your organization with tips and ideas for terminology, language, signage, seating for in-person events, and accommodations for virtual events.

Disability Sensitivity Training

provides a general overview of disabilities, ADA, and inclusion tips.

Digital Accessibility

is an introductory workshop defining digital accessibility and why it is important, reviewing best practices for accessibility, and exploring tools to check accessibility.

Learn More

Digital Accessibility

Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley strives to be accessible and inclusive. We offer accommodations for all of our programs and services.

CONTACT OUR ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION TEAM


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Secret Link