ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION

Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley is dedicated to helping community agencies become more accessible and inclusive and to helping individuals with disabilities live healthier and more stable lives.

Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard.
– Liz Fosslein

Image of a woman in a wheelchair entering a ramp or platform

SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

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

SUPPORT GROUPS

PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

For parents with an adult child with a disability

This support group is facilitated by Amanda Thomas, PhD, Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator, to focus on building connections in a safe, supportive environment while also providing disability resources to support your child’s needs. Attendance is encouraged for all sessions to build a caring and nurturing community.

Contact to learn more

EMPOWERMENT GROUP

For young adult individuals (20s-30s) with a disability

This group is designed to blend mental health support with educational resources, fostering an environment where participants not only gain emotional support but also develop the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a healthier, more informed life.

Contact to learn more

SIBLING SUPPORT GROUP

For adult siblings of individuals with a disability

This support group is facilitated by Amanda Thomas, PhD, Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator, to guide you in navigating the sibling journey and planning for the future.

This free virtual 6-week group will run on Tuesdays from 7/2 to 8/6 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

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

Parent Support Group – information

CONTACT OUR ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION TEAM

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES