Feb 21, 2020
Cleveland Jewish News
Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month is a unified effort among Jewish organizations worldwide to raise awareness and foster inclusion of people with disabilities. Many communities offer various programs for those with disabilities, and Northeast Ohio is no exception.
Of the list of 8 temples, only one had sign language interpreters:
The Temple-Tifereth Israel
26000 Shaker Blvd. , Beachwood, OH 44122
216-831-3233 • ttti.org
What services does your congregation provide to those with disabilities?
The Temple will have a special TGIS (Thank God It’s Shabbat) service at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at to recognize Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month. Led by Rabbi Stacy Schlein and temple arts director Rob Ross, this service will include sign language interpreting by congregant Karen Schiller, large print and Braille prayer books, and the service’s music and readings projected on a large screen. Wheelchairs are available in our lobby and our building and bimahs are accessible. It is our hope that this special inclusion Shabbat will enable all persons to participate fully. Following a multi-million dollar renovation to The Temple in 2016, the building is fully ADA compliant providing handicapped access throughout the building and bimahs, gender-neutral bathrooms, a hearing loop in the sanctuary and chapel, wheelchairs in lobby, projection of prayers on a large screen for the visually impaired, and a service once a month providing sign language interpretation and Braille prayer books, which are both available upon request for other services.
What makes your congregation different from others?
The Temple created an inclusion task force in 2017 to examine issues of inclusion and accessibility. The work of that group is now being implemented by a newly-formed, board-sponsored committee comprised of clergy, staff and lay leaders.
Do you accept volunteers for your programs?
The Temple welcomes volunteers for programs and our services and programs are open to the community. For information or to volunteer, contact The Temple at 216-831-3233.
In what ways can people get involved in your congregation to work with others who have disabilities?
For information, contact The Temple at 216-831-3233.
