February is Jewish Disability Awareness month and the St. Louis Jewish Community Inclusion Initiative, facilitated by Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is joining other communities in recognizing and increasing the awareness of the needs, strengths, opportunities and challenges of people with disabilities in our Jewish communities. The following events will take place throughout the month to honor Jewish Disability Awareness month.

• Feb. 5 and 12: Teacher Workshops

Join presenter Sally Brown for an educator’s workshop on “Defining Terms – What is Inclusion” and “Strategies for Inclusion in the Classroom,” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. 

• Feb. 22: Let’s Celebrate Inclusion

From 2 to 4 p.m., enjoy a fun and educational event for kids with disabilities and their parents at the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. A financial advisor will present information for parents on how to adequately plan for their and their child’s future, and there will also be a Zumba class and balloon activity for the kids during the adult program. This event is free of charge and open to the entire Jewish community. 

• Feb. 8: St. Louis Myseum

The community is also invited to attend an eventfrom 4 to 6 p.m. at the St. Louis Myseum, which has been made inclusive with a respite room for children with special needs. This afternoon of interactive fun (with a Jewish twist) is for families with preschool to fifth-grade children. Siblings are welcome. The cost is $4 per person; maximum of $16 per family. 

For more information or to RSVP to the events, contact Rinat Kisin at 314-442-3801 or [email protected] or visit JFedSTL.org/Inclusion.

The Jewish Community Inclusion Initiative promotes full participation in Jewish life for individuals with disabilities and their families by enhancing inclusion, providing resources and collaborating with existing services in the St Louis community.