Disabilities & Inclusion Services Newsletter 
Winter 2016
IAJVS logo
In This Issue
JDAIM 2016
JDAD 2016
Discussion Call: Working with Schools & Synagogues
Member News
Annual Conferences
 
Join Our Facebook Group!
facebook logo
Connect with your colleagues across the network by joining our closed Facebook group for member agency professionals working in disabilities services. The group is sponsored by AJFCA and IAJVS members are invited to join. Pose questions for your peers and share your programming. 
News & Resources
 
Easter Seals, n4a, FTA launch National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

National Center on Disability & Journalism Style Guide for Professionals Writing About Disability

Inspiring to Action: Speaker Videos from the Ruderman Inclusion Summit

Funding Opportunity: Strengthening Inclusive Coordinated Transportation Partnerships To Promote Community Living

The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on People with Disabilities: A 2015 Status Report from the National Council on Disability

A Reporting Project Puts Disabilities on the Political Agenda

Mathematica Center for Studing Disability Policy Forum: Aligning Community Practices with Trends in Rehabilitation
Task Force on Jewish Residential Alternatives for Adults with Disabilities 
Did you miss the group's 2015 webinar series on the changing landscape of community and residential supports? Access the presentations here:
Jewish Abilities Alliance is here for you!
A community is a place where people of similar background come together, a place where you don't have to go at life alone, a place where you're supported by those around you. The Jewish Abilities Alliance (JAA) is that community for individuals with disabilities and their families. No matter what stage of life you're in, the JAA connects people to resources and services within their community.  
To learn how to bring Jewish Abilities Alliance to your community, contact Liz.

Visit us online!

AJFCA-online and on Facebook

IAJVS- online and on Facebook
AJFCA and IAJVS are excited to offer this collaborative newsletter to provide valuable information and resources about disabilities services to our members!
Download the program guide from Inclusion Innovations and share your events and programs related to JDAIM 2016 with your colleagues on our closed Facebook group or on the JDAIM Facebook page.
IAJVS and AJFCA are excited to join other co-sponsors of the upcoming 2016 JDAD on February 10th. IAJVS CEO Genie Cohen will be participating in a panel on Disability Employment, WIOA, and Competitive Integrated Employment and participants will learn about policies to support employment and caregiver support and spend the afternoon in advocacy meetings with members of congress. Read the legislative briefings for H.R.3099, H.R.3915 and S.1604 from the Jewish Federations of North America. 
Disabilities Services Discussion Calls

All agency professionals interested in engaging in a conversation on serving persons with disabilities are invited.

Next Call:
Working with Schools and Synagogues
Wednesday, February 24, 2016, 2pm EST
Join members of our network in this one-hour discussion on working with schools and synagogues to promote inclusion of youth with disabilities. Cindy Land, Community Inclusion Coordinator at JF&CS of Jacksonville, will discuss her agency's work with Jewish day schools to enable students with disabilities and their families to access educational supports and to train school staff on working with students with additional needs. Participants will discuss programs involving schools and synagogues that aim to educate the community about the inclusion of individuals of all abilities. 

Register here
Member News
Read member highlights in disabilities services work including:
  • JVS Chicago-Social Service & Career Placement Agencies Partner for Disability Job Opportunities
  • Kathy Shumard Thriving at SHALOM Denver
  • JFS Houston Celebration Company and Summer Transition Supported Employment Program 
  • Israel Elwyn-Professions Made Accessible for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities 
  • JVS Los Angeles Now Has a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Vocational Evaluator
  • Agence Ometz, Montreal Supported Employment Services
  • JF&CS Pittsburgh Career Development Center 
  • JVS Toronto - Sheltered Workshops in Transition
IAJVS 2016 Annual Conference
The IAJVS 2016 Annual Conference, Today's Youth - A Workforce for Tomorrow, will be held April 17-19 at the Sofitel Philadelphia Hotel.  Among the diverse collection of sessions, the following topics on disabilities will be included:
  • JVS Boston's Transitions to Work program 
  • Israel Elwyn Program Mosaic:  National Service for Everyone
  • JFSA Cleveland's Horvitz YouthAbility Program
  • JFS Houston's Youth Summer Transitional Program for Young Adults with Autism and Co-Occuring Mental Illness
  • JCS Baltimore's Learn to Earn program 
Learn more about these programs and access conference information and registration online or call 215-854-0233. 

AJFCA 2016 Annual Conference

The 2016 AJFCA Annual Conference, taking place May 15-17 in San Diego, CA,  is a 2.5 day interactive and informative experience for professional and lay leaders from AJFCA Jewish human service agencies throughout North America.