The Board of Deputies of British Jews has launched a “groundbreaking” Commission on Disability Inclusion in the Jewish Community in an effort to identify barriers impacting Jewish people with disabilities.
Chaired by disability inclusion activist and former president Vivian Wineman, the landmark initiative arrives after the Board’s Commissions on Racial Inclusivity in the Jewish Community and on Antisemitism.
“This commission is an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and act,” said Wineman, citing his son Yair’s experience with disability as contributing to his involvement. “This commission brings together two issues that have been profoundly important to me throughout my life. The first is supporting children with special needs.
"I have been involved in this work since long before my son Yair’s challenges became apparent. Special needs children, their parents and carers must have our support. I hope it will galvanise our community to ensure that every Jewish person with a disability – and every family supporting them – can fully participate in our communal life with dignity.”
The commission aims to produce evidence-based recommendations for the improvement of disabled Jewish life, drawing on the work of advisory panels of carers, academics, and people with lived experience of disability.
In coming weeks, leading Jewish disability organisations will convene to decide upon the commission’s terms of reference, before the call for evidence is issued across communities.
Vice President Jeremy Michelson said: “I am so excited about the launch of the Commission on Disability Inclusion. I suffer from congenital nystagmus, which has left me very partially sighted, but fortunately I have accessed the community without needing help. "Others are less fortunate. Disability comes in many forms, physical, mental, social, and we need to make sure that our communal institutions are aware of the challenges faced by those with disabilities and make access as straightforward as possible. I hope that the proceedings of this commission will ensure that happens.”
Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies, said: “Our community thrives when every one of us can participate with dignity and confidence. When I stood to be president, I made a manifesto pledge to launch this commission as part of a wider commitment to championing inclusion as a core mission. I am pleased today to deliver on that promise.”
The commission was celebrated by prominent autistic journalist and deputy Josh Aronson.
“For too long, the contributions of neurodivergent and disabled Jews have been hindered by systemic barriers. This commission, under the chairmanship of Vivian Wineman, is a vital step toward a community that doesn't just 'accommodate' disability, but actively values it,” he said.
“I look forward to working with the secretariat and my fellow deputies to ensure that this commission delivers a future where every member of our community can participate fully, with dignity, and without barriers.”
The Board is assembling a panel of academic specialists in disability, inclusion, social policy, and related fields. Those interested in contributing should email: disability@bod.org.uk with a brief overview of relevant experience.
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