Beyond February: Keshet's Commitment to Inclusion 365 Days a Year
By Michelle Friedman and Jenifer Phillips
In a world where commemorative months, like Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month in February, are designed to draw attention to various causes and communities, some may question their effectiveness in truly creating lasting change. As we are deeply involved with Keshet, an organization dedicated to disability awareness and inclusion, we find ourselves reflecting on the significance of JDAIM. While we understand their value in raising awareness, at Keshet, we believe in a different approach—one that transcends the limitations of a specific month and focuses on fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging every day of the year.
At Keshet, our mission is clear: to create a community of belonging where children and adults with disabilities can learn, play, work, live, and grow alongside individuals of all abilities. We believe that inclusion is not a temporary effort but a continuous commitment that extends beyond the boundaries of commemorative months. Our goal is not just to highlight awareness; it is to live and breathe inclusion in every aspect of our programs and activities.
Our students and young adults, for instance, actively participate with their non-disabled peers in school and camp settings. This daily interaction is not a symbolic gesture confined to a specific month; rather, it is an ongoing effort to break down attitudinal barriers, dispel stereotypes, and foster belonging. In real-world scenarios of work, shopping, eating in restaurants, living in the community, and engaging in community activities, our adults with disabilities are not just creating awareness—they are organically educating those around them, showcasing their value, abilities, and strengths, and promoting inclusivity as a natural part of the human experience.
One of the key aspects of our approach is the integration of disabled and non-disabled individuals in our recreation programs. By blending participants from diverse backgrounds, we actively shift mindsets, break down stereotypes, and create a community where everyone belongs. This intentional inclusion goes beyond mere awareness; it cultivates an environment where disability is seen as a natural and valued component of the broader human experience.
Our commitment to disability awareness and inclusion is not confined to a single month—it's a year-round endeavor. While commemorative months undoubtedly play a role in sparking conversations and raising initial awareness, we believe that real change happens when inclusion becomes a part of everyday life. Our dedication to creating a community where everyone can thrive knows no limits and extends far beyond the temporal boundaries of designated months.
In essence, what we do at Keshet aligns with the goals of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) every single day of the year. By actively fostering a community of belonging, breaking down barriers, and promoting the value of every individual, we demonstrate that inclusion is not just a short-term initiative but rather a continuous journey that we embark upon day in and day out. At Keshet, we are proud to be the embodiment of JDAIM, not just for a month, but every day of every month, ensuring that our commitment to inclusion is resolute and unfaltering, and demonstrating what a true community of belonging could and should look like.
Jennifer Phillips is an experienced special educator who has dedicated her career to building inclusive communities. Jennifer began at Keshet in 1994 as a one-to-one summer camp counselor, which inspired her to become a special education teacher. Since then, she has risen from being a teacher in Keshet’s High School to the Director of Recreation and then as the organization’s first Chief Program Officer. She currently serves as Keshet’s President and CEO.
Michelle Friedman is the board chair of Keshet in Chicago, a member of Disability Lead, and has been a disability advocate for 40 years. She has written two children’s books and is the author of her blog and is a frequent speaker for elementary and high school-age students.