An Update from the DJC Accessibility Initiative Committee

Severalyears ago, a couple of DJC members began talking about how to improveaccessibility at the DJC. Important in its own right, improving accessibilityfor all of our members also meshed with the inclusivity principle that hasguided the DJC since its inception. Currently, the DJC Accessibility Initiative(AI) Committee has ten members.

Thefollowing is a list of past and current initiatives undertaken by the DJC toincrease awareness of accessibility challenges in our community and to improve accessibilityfor all DJC events.

            •           Working with Eastminster United Churchwhen they undertook renovations to improve access to the building with anoutdoor ramp, elevator, and wheelchair accessible washroom

            •           Organizing yearly Shabbat Itanu eventsto raise awareness of the barriers to inclusivity that individuals with a rangeof disabilities confront on a day-to-day basis

            •           Identifying designated seating at thehigh holidays for individuals with mobility, hearing or vision challenges, andtheir families, to enhance their ability to fully participate in the service

            •           Identifying a quiet space at DJC/EastminsterUnited Church for those who may need a break from the intense stimulation of ahigh holiday service

            •           Developing a scent-free policy forDJC events, and educating community members about the importance of communityparticipation in scent-free access

            •           Securing braille and large printsiddurim, and working on how to have similar machzorim (high holiday prayerbooks) available for high holidays

            •           Undertaking an ‘accessibility audit’of DJC/Eastminster United Church

            •           Working with all committees and DJCstaff and volunteers to raise awareness about the importance of consideringaccessibility in everything we do

            •           Improving communication aboutpotential barriers to inclusivity for the full range of DJC events, which willinclude adding accessibility notes to all events listed on the DJC websitecalendar

In addition, we always welcome input from our community on how we can do a better job. Please reach out to us with any ideas or feedback. The AI committee values your input and is here to provide assistance for anyone seeking help to attend a DJC event. We can be reached at djcaccessibilityinitiative@gmail.com.