Ophira Calof is a Jewish performer making space for disabled creatives in Canadian show business
When she was in Grade 11, Ophira Calof was nominated for that city’s version of the Tony Awards, as best lead actress in a high school musical. She didn’t win for starring as an unconventional Princess Winnifred in the play Once Upon a Mattress, but the nod was a big deal at the time. Now, […]
Programs aim to help young adults with disabilities
Janice Arnold looks at the different organizations taking part in Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month events.
Rosen Cohen: Why I won’t be celebrating Inclusion Month
Laura Rosen Cohen writes that “as the parent of a severely disabled child, I must confess I do not see any evidence supporting the contention that Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month influences inclusion.”
Non-profits, MPs lead disability mission to Israel
On Feb. 12, Canadian Ambassador to Israel Deborah Lyons kicked off the first Canada-Israel Inclusion Mission.
Chabad-led disability think tank receives federal grant
The Friendship Circle – a Chabad program that offers social, recreational and vocational activities for children and young adults with special needs on a non-sectarian basis – has received at $435,647 federal grant.
Centre for people with disabilities to be built in Ottawa
A first-of-its-kind facility that will provide a wide array of services to people with developmental disabilities will soon break ground in Ottawa.
American disability advocates to speak at conference
Rabbi Ruti Regan and Ari Ne’eman will be the keynote speakers at Pushing the Boundaries: Disability and Inclusion and the Jewish Community, an upcoming conference that takes place from April 15 to 17 at the Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue in Toronto.
Disability doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Israel
Israel presents particular challenges with accessibility. Ancient sites that must be preserved are not easy to modernize. Huge strides have been made, but accessibility varies based on the age and size of buildings.
Joseph Bensmihen proved having a disability is not an obstacle
Joseph Bensmihen, who lives in Florida, where he runs his own home care business, was in Montreal for a Shabbaton at The Adath synagogue, to mark Jewish Disabilities Awareness and Inclusion Month.
Opposition mounts to cuts to ‘the most vulnerable’ at Miriam Home
Families and advocates for the intellectually disabled who are served by the Miriam Home are calling on the Quebec government not to cut services to “the most vulnerable” adults.
