JDAIM Programming for All
Compiled by Lisa Houben, M.S. CCC-SLP LHouben@jewishatlanta.org
Sensitivity & Awareness Training:
JAA is available to provide an interactive and engaging virtual sensitivity and awareness training for students of all ages. This opportunity will teach students what it is like to live and learn with diverse abilities. The program takes approximately 1 hour and can accommodate between 40-50 participants. We will provide 6 virtual activities to address processing, gross and fine motor, hearing loss, dexterity, and a general understanding what a disability is and how to appropriately talk about and to people with a disability. JAA can also provide the curriculum and some of the materials for educators to implement these activities themselves.
Physical materials students need for a successful event: pen and/or pencil, large adult size sock, 20 pennies, hand-held or free standing mirror, 2 markers, 1 blank sheet of paper, 5 handouts to be printed out (will be sent once the program is scheduled).
JAA is also available to provide customized trainings for adults, educators, lay leaders, and other professionals. Contact Lisa Houben at lhouben@jewishatlanta.org to plan a training.
Film Options:
The ReelEducation program provides free resources for educators and administrators to teach students about inclusion, empathy, universal design, mental health and stereotypes, as well as attitudinal and employment barriers. Each ReelEducation film kit comes as an accessibly formatted lesson plan and access to a ReelAbilities film. The films range in length from 5-30 minutes and appropriate for all age levels – films listed on next page.
RespectAbility offers another film option, Ian, appropriate for grades K-3. This 7 minute film tells the real-life experience of a little boy with cerebral palsy whose courage, determination, and light stops the bullying on his neighborhood playground by creating lasting compassion. This powerful film was brought to life by Ian’s mother, Sheila Graschinsky, who witnessed the painful impact exclusion had on her son. Determined to change the paradigm, she started a foundation to promote inclusion through education in Argentina. Follow up with discussion about feelings, bullying and what Inclusion should look like.
Other JDAIM lesson plans:
Check out PJ library’s JDAIM page for lots of engaging lesson plans and ideas on how to use books to each important Jewish values through reading.
Check out the Comic Book Companion. For some fun and engaging activities that you can do with your class for an age appropriate sensitivity and awareness training
Check out Matan Kids for great JDAIM lesson plans.
ReelEducation Films by Age:
KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 3
Macropolis (7 mins)
An animated short about 2 toys discarded from a factory production line
Anything You Can Do (7 mins)
Two boys face off. But when the stakes are at their highest, will victory be sweet?
GRADES 4 -6
My Dad Matthew (6 min) 14-year-old Elijah has great admiration for his dad, Matthew. Matthew teaches at university and has cerebral palsy. He communicates by using a pointer and a keyboard. This father and son teach us about acceptance, love and achievement.
Spectrum: A story of the Mind (24 mins)
An animated and live action documentary that explores the inner sensory experiences of autism
Hear This! (15 mins)
When the soccer club won’t allow his father to coach because he is Deaf, Tristan decides to prove them wrong
GRADES 6-8
Adam’s Bar Mitzvah (14 mins) – CANADA
This short doc follows Adam as he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah, and illuminates Judaism, identity, disability and community.
Spectrum: A story of the Mind (24 mins)
An animated and live action documentary that explores the inner sensory experiences of autism
GRADES 9-12
CODA (22 min)
A young dancer struggles with her bicultural identity and conflicted feelings about growing up hearing in a Deaf family, when she meets a confident young Deaf man.
Adam’s Bar Mitzvah (14 mins)
This short doc follows Adam as he prepares for his Bar Mitzvah, and illuminates Judaism, identity, disability and community.
The Interviewer (13 mins)
During an interview at a prestigious law firm, Thomas realizes that his chance to make a difference in the world is closer and more unexpected than he could ever imagine
Deaf Jam! (55 mins)
Aneta, an Israeli immigrant and a Deaf teen, meets Tahani, a hearing Palestinian slam poet and together they embark on a performance duet, creating a new form of slam poetry that speaks to both the hearing and the Deaf.
Four Quarters of Silence (18 mins)
Located in Austin, the Texas School for the Deaf is the only school of out 1483 high school football teams that serves the Deaf
Spectrum: A story of the Mind (24 mins)
An animated and live action documentary that explores the inner sensory experiences of autism
My Life in the City (12 mins)
This film shares stories and ideas from adults with intellectual disabilities on urban spaces, development and a vision for the city of Toronto.
