ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION

Jewish Family Service 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, as well as facilitating psychoeducational support groups for individuals with disabilities and their family members.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Facilitated by Amanda Thomas, PhD. Confidentiality is strictly maintained. Groups are not drop-in; registration is required. Fees vary by group, sliding scale available. Participants interested in a group should contact Dr. Amanda Thomas at  accessibility@jfslv.org to schedule a preliminary meeting.

SIBLINGS OF ADULTS WITH A DISABILITY

This group is an opportunity for siblings to interact with others who share a similar life journey, while examining the particular challenges and benefits of this unique experience.  Goals include:

  • Exploring resources and information
  • Cultivating mutual support and connection with others
  • Reducing social isolation
6 weeks
Virtual
$200 fee (waived for pilot)

Next group runs on Tuesdays starting July 1 to August 5 from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Contact Form

PARENTS OF ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

This group is an opportunity for parents to interact with others who share a similar life journey, while examining the particular challenges and benefits of this unique experience.  Goals include:

  • Exploring resources and information
  • Cultivating mutual support and connection with others
  • Reducing social isolation
8 weeks
Virtual or in-person
$200 fee
Join the waitlist for Fall 2025

EMPOWERMENT FOR ADULTS WITH A DISABILITY

This group provides individuals with disabilities a safe space to meet others and gain new skills. Goals include:

  • Exploring resources and information (social skills, dating, relationships, independent living skills)
  • Cultivating mutual support and connection with others
  • Reducing social isolation
  • Stronger self-advocacy
6 weeks
Virtual or in-person
Registration fee waived
Join the waitlist for Fall 2025

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
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


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