IN FOCUS
In Focus :: Archive
February 2010
Yad HaChazakah-JDEC In Focus
Mission of organization:
Led by and for Jews with obvious or hidden disabilities and chronic health conditions, Yad HaChazakah-JDEC empowers people with disabilities to self-direct their lives and to live, love, learn, work, worship and lead in Jewish communities. We do this by promoting changes in attitudes and community planning and by providing:

  • Personal Coaching and Mentoring
  • Peer Networking and Support
  • Advocacy and Resource Navigation
  • Topical Forums and Learning Opportunities
  • Disability Awareness and Policy Advisement

    Serving individuals from all backgrounds and cultures, Yad-JDEC is the first and only organization that is governed and operated primarily by Jews with disabilities in accordance with Orthodox Jewish standards. We encourage ask those we ‘serve’ to ‘pay it forward’ by volunteering, mentoring, speaking, and helping Yad-JDEC to build its capacities.
What motivated the formation of the organization?
Jews with disabilities or health conditions are not sought for our involvement in Jewish community life. We are too often viewed as recipients of chesed; not as potential leaders, scholars, marriage partners, or essential employees. Our lives are shaped by what we do; what we give; and how we involve ourselves; not by what we receive.

The founders and stakeholders of Yad HaChazakah-JDEC created the organization to work with Jews with disabilities or health conditions to assume control over their lives and to assert their presence in their communities. We are moving the Jewish community toward a future when no disability or condition needs to be kept secret; when it is common to see wheelchair users, Braille and large print material and sign language interpreters at Jewish community services and events; when wheelchair users can access bimahos, and when shidduchim are suggested based first and foremost upon character and potential compatibility regardless of disability or condition.
Chava Willig-Levy, renowned author and public speaker giving the keynote address and R. Michael Levy, Vice President of Yad HaChazakah-JDEC.
Central activities of your organization:

Personal Coaching and Life Skill Training:

Yad HaChazakah-JDECs social service professionals work with service consumers to explore the person’s personal values, talents, and potentials as they make life-changing decisions. We support and encourage them every step of the way and partner with them to strategize solutions and access resources when challenges arise.

We also work with individuals to develop life skills such as goal setting, planning, networking, budgeting, assertive communication, negotiation, interviewing, traveling, and managing personal assistants.

Peer Networking and Support:

Yad HaChazakah-JDEC provides volunteer and mentoring opportunities, professional support for peer led discussion groups, and special events. We network by phone, in person, or electronically, to share information, socialize, and support each other so that we can make the most of our lives.

Resource Navigation and Advocacy:

Yad HaChazakah-JDEC staff works with our service consumers to identify and access resources for vocational training and employment searches; shadchanim (matchmakers) and singles events; Braille, large print, or recorded renditions of Torah-related texts; better wheelchair access; daily living assistive devices and communication technology, sign language interpreters, and Social Security work incentives.

A Yad HaChazakah-JDEC staffer follows up with the consumers to assure that the service or product meets their needs. When appropriate and upon the consumers’ requests, we will advocate or intervene on their behalf or refer to the proper agency to help.

Disability Awareness and Policy Advisement:

Yad HaChazakah-JDEC invites people interested in creating more inclusive and disability-access friendly Torah communities to join the Yad Alliance. The Yad Alliance works with its members to:

  • Dispel the myths and assumptions that surround disability and chronic illness
  • Inform leaders and others in our communities about our needs and concerns
  • Encourage our leaders to enact and execute disability-related initiatives and policies consistent with Torah
  • Inform the community about Yad HaChazakah-JDEC and helps to attract program participants, service consumers, and potential contributors. Members of the Yad Alliance may be considered for positions on the Yad Board of Directors.
How many people do you serve?
We have engaged an average of 300 people per year over 3 years. We are working to increase Yad-JDEC’s capacities so that we can reach / engage at least 500 individuals per year in addition to the thousands of people that are reached through our media work.
Who participates in your activities?
  • Self-directing Jews of all ages living with obvious or hidden disabilities or ongoing health conditions.
  • Family members, friends, and circle of support of above mentioned.
  • Establishments and programs in the broader Jewish Community.
A Portion of the 150 audience members at Yad HaChazakah's January 2008 Launch Event. New York State Assembly Member Dov Hikind is sitting at the table awaiting his turn to speak
What events are you planning in the future?
Yad HaChazakah-JDEC is planning a workshop to take place this winter, entitled, “Teen to Adulthood Transition in Jewish Communities: A Workshop for Teens and Parents from the Perspectives of People with Hidden or Obvious Disabilities. For updates on time and venue, please contact us at info@yad-jdec.org or 212-284-6936.
Describe an inspiring moment in your work.
At Yad HaChazakah-JDEC, we’ve enjoyed many inspiring moments. These moments have happened when, with Yad HaChazakah-JDEC’s assistance, a mikvah in Dayton Ohio became wheelchair accessible; a person discovered and is pursuing his career path, and a Jewish employment service learned how to accommodate a deaf job applicant.
What has your organization gotten out of Bikkurim?
Starting from a very early stage of our development, Bikkurim has given us a fertile base from which we have been able to test our programs and markets and the opportunity to gain exposure to leaders in Jewish philanthropy and experts in nonprofit development. We treasure the guidance and sincere support we’ve received from the Bikkurim board and staff. This guidance and support has been tailored to us, our perspectives, and our needs.
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