Jewish Disability Awareness Month Introduces JDAM Reads!
Jewish Disability Awareness Month (JDAM) is a unified effort among Jewish organizations worldwide to use common programs to raise awareness and foster inclusion of people with disabilities, their families, and those who love them. Established in 2009, JDAM is observed during February. In 2012, JDAM is launching a book club, with the New York Times bestselling novel, The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon, as its first selection. Participants are encouraged to read and discuss the book during 2012.
JDAM’s mission is to:
- Elevate Jewish awareness of the way people with disabilities have been regarded by society.
- Encourage Jews around the world to become more empathetic toward people with disabilities.
- Urge Jews to welcome people with disabilities into their communities and personal lives.
- Unite Jewish communities to raise awareness and champion inclusion of people with disabilities.
In addition to The Story of Beautiful Girl, JDAM Reads for Children! is utilizing a wonderful children’s book, Jumping Jenny, by Ellen Bari. Jenny is a super-active girl who turns her high energy into a mission to do good in the world. Kar-Ben Publishing is developing classroom curriculum and projects so that children ages 4-10 can engage in making a difference like Jenny does.
For further information, please contact Shelly Christensen, JDAM co-founder, at schristensen@jfcsmpls.org or shelly@shellychristensen.com.