Growing Virtual Vocational and Social Programs for Ramah Alumni with Disabilities

by Maya Albin, National Ramah TikvahNet Coordinator

Over the past year, Ramah has continued to expand programming and leadership opportunities for Ramah alumni with disabilities. During Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), we reflect on how far we have come over the past year, and are looking ahead to ways that we can continue to expand.

TikvahNet

In the summer of 2020, when camps could not safely open due to COVID-19, we started TikvahNet, our virtual vocational and social programming for Ramah alumni with disabilities. Over the past two years, we have created a vibrant and close-knit community that continues to grow. We offer programs several times each month and offer new program options based on participant feedback.

TikvahNet “Tour of Israel”

Ramah New England alumni Jacob and Uriel discuss their business, Shred Support

We heard from participants that they wanted to learn about job opportunities in their communities, so we invited several businesses that hire adults with disabilities to discuss the skills needed to work at their companies. We welcomed businesses ranging from large companies, like Walgreens, to small, family-run businesses like Shred Support, a shredding company founded by two TikvahNet participants and their parents.

To expand our social programming, we welcomed accessible fitness companies, like ZOOZ Fitness and SPIRIT Club, to lead engaging group fitness classes for our participants.

Another important aspect of TikvahNet is the networking and mentorship opportunities we help facilitate. In 2021, we offered more opportunities for participants to delve into important topics in small groups and to educate each other on various independence skills. Participants who were further along in their work journeys taught each other about finding the right job. Participants who live independently shared with their peers the skills needed to do so, and answered important questions about independent living. We also invited an autistic self-advocate, Andrew Arboe from Planning Across the Spectrum, to discuss his experience learning to drive, and teach participants how to navigate transportation themselves.

Reshet Ramah Programming

In addition to TikvahNet, we continue to ensure that Ramah alumni with disabilities are fully included in all National Ramah initiatives, including Reshet Ramah programming and our movement-wide staff training conferences. In 2021, Reshet Ramah programs such as omanut (art) night, Purim events, and game nights, included Ramah alumni with and without disabilities. These events were a huge success, and we will continue to offer inclusive virtual programming in 2022.

Leadership Development and Staff Training

At this year’s Weinstein Institute, Ramah staff with disabilities participated in professional development opportunities with over 100 other staff from across the Ramah Camping Movement. Six participants from across our camps joined the inaugural vocational training track, and actively participated in general Weinstein programming. This track included meaningful programs discussing self-advocacy, managing downtime, goal setting, and more. The program was a resounding success, and we look forward to continuing this track for future Weinstein gatherings.

Weinstein Vocational Training Track, January 2022

Looking Ahead

In 2021, we welcomed Dr. Daniel Olson to our National Ramah Commission team as the director of Strategic Initiatives and Research. Daniel has worked in Tikvah vocational training programs at both Ramah Wisconsin and Ramah Galim. He continues to work with the National Ramah Tikvah Network as we gather follow-up data on Tikvah alumni, share best practices in areas of vocational training and staff support, and strive to reach and include more Ramah Tikvah alumni in our year-round programs.