Disability Inclusion
At Agudas Achim we are committed to being a truly inclusive spiritual community. We welcome the participation, leadership, and friendship of all individuals without regard to physical, emotional, cognitive, sensory, or communicative ability.
The Disability Inclusion Committee is working to further expand inclusion and access at Agudas Achim and we value input and contributions to this effort. If you are interested in being on the committee, want more information about the work of the committee, or would like to be on an email list about activities or events related to Disability Inclusion, please email Committee Co-Chair Debbie Perry, or call the synagogue office, 703-998-6460.
How We Practice Inclusion at Agudas Achim
- Our facility is wheelchair accessible, including the bima. The Cohen Sanctuary has wheelchair spaces with designated companion seats.
- The Cohen Sanctuary and Flax Family Chapel have audio loops (T-Coils); we also offer assistive listening devices for those who would prefer them.
- Lightweight, large-print mahzorim are available for the High Holy Days; and lightweight, large-print copies of Siddur Lev Shalem and the Etz Hayim Chumash are available for Shabbat.
- Designation of priority aisle seating for Shabbat services in the Cohen Sanctuary will soon be available for persons with mobility issues.
- It is the practice at Agudas Achim that we label allergens at all synagogue food events. Individuals with food allergies are permitted to store a small amount of kosher food in the synagogue kitchen for personal consumption while participating in Agudas Achim events. More on food allergy practices can be found here.
- When possible, supports and accommodations are provided to children with disabilities in the religious school.
- A staffed “break” room is available during religious school hours to support students who need space for self calming, sensory regulation, or to de-stress.
AAC T-Coil
The Cohen Sanctuary and Flax Family Chapel are equipped with t-coils. If your hearing aids have been outfitted with a “T” twitch, then you can make use of the t-coil by doing one of the following:
- Manually cycle through your hearing aid programs. In most hearing aids, this can be achieved by holding down the volume control.
- Trigger the t-coil setting through your hearing aid’s app.
Nationwide Inclusion Programs
Jewish organizations in North America are sponsoring more than 30 fantastic programs on inclusion in February. Find them on JewishTogether.org.
Some highlights include:
- Inclusion for overnight and day camps
- Teens may earn a certificate for attending 2 Yachad InclYOUsion Education Workshops
- Smart Business: The Case for Inclusive Hiring
- Fighting stigma with effective storytelling
Request an Accommodation
To request an accommodation at Agudas Achim contact the Disability Inclusion Committee for a confidential conversation.
