For Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, why not plan a movie night with your family?
Family Film Night is a 2-day pass to watch family-friendly films featuring stories from disability and Deaf cultures, courtesy of the ReelAbilities Film Festival and the Miles Nadal JCC in Toronto. When you sign up for this program, you will receive links to amazing feature and short films that the whole family can enjoy. Films will come with a conversation guide that you can use to chat about the film with your children.
Click the link to see the film selections and to register to watch. You will need to create an account to receive the film links. Free of charge. (Available Saturday from 12:00 am to Sunday at 11:59 pm.)
Saturday-Sunday, February 12/13 click here
Saturday-Sunday, February 26/27 click here
Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is a unified effort among Jewish organizations and communities worldwide to raise awareness and foster inclusion of people with disabilities and those who love them.
In Ottawa, the theme for 2022 is “ableism.”
What is ableism? Ableism perpetuates a negative view of disability. It frames being nondisabled as the ideal and disability as a flaw or abnormality. It is a form of systemic oppression that affects people who identify as disabled, as well as anyone who others perceive to be disabled. Ableism can also indirectly affect caregivers.
REACH
Understanding the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) with CRA
February 8, 11 am to noon
Join Reach and the Canada Revenue Agency for an educational session to help you and your loved ones understand the Disability Tax Credit! The objective of this information session is to teach persons with disabilities and their caregivers what is the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), who is eligible, how to apply - what form to use and how to complete the form, how to claim the credit - how to claim the disability amount and related credits, and what is a non-refundable tax credit among other things.
This event is virtual. Link here to register.
Contact Jennifer Ho at reach@reach.ca
SPECIAL EVENT:
Kehillat Beth Israel Congregation
An Evening with Ophira Calof
February 7, 7 - 8 pm
Ophira Calof (She/They) grew up in Ottawa in our community. She is now a Toronto-based multi award winning disabled writer, performer, and producer. Her work weaves together music, comedy, and storytelling, centring disability and chronic illness experience. Ophira also works as a curator, workshop facilitator, consultant, and keynote speaker. They have an extensive background as a vocalist, training through the University of British Columbia’s opera performance program, completing Berklee Music Online’s songwriting specialist certificate and their single, Still Standing, is available online.
Register here
February 16, 2022, 11:00 am
Lunch and Learn - Creating Inclusive Workspaces: You already know someone with a disability
Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, President and CEO, RespectAbility
According to Statistics Canada, 22% of Canadians live with a disability. It’s a sure thing that someone you work with has a disability. Knowing that, are we creating workspaces that allow for accommodations without our colleagues having to ask or disclose their disability publicly? Are we inadvertently using ableist thinking? How can we make the work environment welcoming to all?
Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, co-founder/director of the Mizrahi Family Charitable Fund, is a long-time serial innovator, and Jewish leader. Currently she serves as CEO of the disability-led nonprofit RespectAbility, which fights stigmas and advances opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community. In the last year, RespectAbility consulted on more than 200 entertainment media productions and provided testimony in every state on disability issues.
Register here
February 22, 2022, 7:00 pm
Social Enterprise: What are they and how do they benefit our community?
Ruchama Uzan, Owner, A Dashing Pinch – Village Café
William Wells, Owner, The Artery Community Roasters
This panel will discuss the benefits of social enterprises to our community and how you can take advantage of some awesome food and coffee! Both companies employ people living with disability as integral members of their business.
Register here
February 28, 2022, 7:00 pm
Appreciating the Gifts of All People
Aaron Kaufman, Jewish Federations of North America
Aaron Kaufman is the Senior Manager of Legislative Affairs at the Jewish Federations of North America. He focuses on disability and poverty issues. Aaron came from the Arc Maryland where he lobbied members of the Maryland General Assembly and the Maryland Congressional delegation on issues affecting Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Having Cerebral Palsy, Aaron feels he brings a unique perspective to JFNA’s efforts on behalf of people with disabilities. He loves to chat about how to speak to people with disabilities to make full inclusion organic and comfortable for everyone.
Register here
Local resources:
Parent Advocate
Coordinator of Judaic Outreach and Inclusion
Case Manager, Tikvah Unit
