The Toronto Jewish Disability Network invites you to blog with us

The Network invites blogs that express your thoughts in an informal and genuine style and tone. If you would like to offer a blog please write a piece (400-800 max) with a short bio (2-3 sentences) with your name, title, (organization-including link-if applicable) and contact information. A picture may be sent that we might be able to use as well. Please send blog submissions to info@torontojdn.org.

The Network has the right to accept or reject any submission or delete parts that may offensive. If you have any questions or problems, please contact us.

Monica & David

Monica & David

Alexandra Codina

A film portraying  the love story of 2 adults with down syndrome and their families who supported them. Marriage, work and the same desires and  wishes to be like everyone else are poignantly expressed.

Waddie Welcome & the Beloved Community

Waddie Welcome & the Beloved Community

Tom Kohler and Susan Earl

Incredibly  uplifting story of Waddie Welcome, who was born July 4, 1914 in Savannah Georgia. Non-verbal and immobilized in a wheelchair with cerebral palsy, Waddie  effectively created  a sizeable  circle of advocacy around himself.  He successfully  lived with families in  homes  rather than a  hospital bed. Remarkable story.

Midor Ledor

Midor Ledor; Genetics and Genetic Diseases; Jewish Legal and Ethical perspectives

Dr. Deena Zimmerman

Detailed description  of ethical and halachic implications of Jewish genetic diseases.   The challenges of a family unit that cares for a child with disabilities.

Mr. Chris – Chris Ulmer

Chris Ulmer — or Mr. Chris, as his students call him — is a special education teacher at Mainspring Academy in Jacksonville, Fla. For months Mr. Chris has been sharing videos on his Facebook page, hoping to “spread empathy, understanding and awareness for children with a variety of special needs.”

However, his unique  attitude allows for something even more  extraordinary. Mr. Chris  spends 10 minutes serving up awesome compliments to his students and giving them high-fives each morning.

http://www.theloop.ca/this-special-ed-teacher-makes-his-students-day-by-doing-one-simple-thing/

I Am Not Your Mitzvah Project

I Am Not Your Mitzvah Project
Comedian and inclusion advocate Pamela Schuller
Comedian and inclusion advocate Pamela Schuller

Because when we have a community that appreciates each person and what that person brings to the table, the entire community benefits. A fully inclusive community is celebrating the unique qualities that everyone brings to that table, creating a safer and stronger community — one of trust where people can be uniquely themselves.

Just opening your door is not a mitzvah; it’s a start. What happens after the welcome is what really matters. It’s the critical difference between being tolerated and being valued — that difference is everything.

Comedian and inclusion advocate Pamela Schuller

http://www.jta.org/2016/02/11/news-opinion/opinion/op-ed-im-not-your-mitzvah-project#.Vr36JSb70nU.facebook