In partnership with Repair the World, Ohr HaOlam, Temple Emanuel, and Hebrew Educational Alliance, JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates (JDA) was thrilled to bring to the community the second annual Disability Justice Passover Seder on April 18. 

Bicycle riding is a shared experience, and we’re excited to begin our second season of offering an adaptive bike program for Douglas, Arapahoe, and Elbert County residents in the intellectual/developmental disability community over the age of 18. The program helps break barriers to explore local recreation spots, get exercise, and discover new things on bicycles. 

JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates and our JDA Partner Organizations will focus on Accessibility and Accommodations in Jewish Spaces during Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) and throughout 2025. Our goal is to raise awareness, acceptance, and understanding, and create communities that are accessible and provide needed accommodations for individuals with disabilities.  

February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), and the hope is to spark awareness and bring change into our everyday lives for those with disabilities in our Jewish community. JDAIM is a time for the Jewish community nationwide to learn, connect, and create programming that expands understanding and inclusion for those with disabilities and their families.

The JFS disability benefits counseling services offers a personalized approach to helping individuals with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance navigate government-funded programs. The process can be tricky, but this service provides relief for clients like Mark who need assistance. 

After the JFS Employment Services department team noticed several clients often chose not to take a job or to increase their hours at work due to fear of losing benefits, they applied for and received a grant to begin offering disability benefits counseling services to help navigate government-funded programs. 

The first session of our Adaptive Cycling program is wrapping up, and we’re excited to welcome Douglas, Arapahoe, and Elbert County residents in the intellectual and developmental disability community over the age of 18 to enjoy the outdoors, get exercise, and discover new things on their bicycles! Participants increase mobility, enjoy the benefits of improved health, build social connections, work on bike and safety skills, and have fun!

In partnership with Repair the World and Ohr HaOlam, JFS Jewish Disabilities Advocates (JDA) was thrilled to bring to the community the first Disability Justice Passover Seder on April 26 at Temple Emanuel.

We are excited to pilot an adaptive bike program, and Douglas, Arapahoe, and Elbert County residents in the intellectual/developmental disability (IDD) community over the age of 18 are encouraged to participate!

Improving our health and well-being while trying something new is vital for all of us. For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the JFS Arts and Community Exploration program engages participants in center-based activities and community outings to empower them to learn new skills, develop relationships, and safely engage in their surroundings.

Dominque is a long-time participant in our JFS Disability Services program, which offers a variety of support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Denver metro area. On March 20, Dominque will celebrate IDD at the Capitol by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. “I’ve never done anything like this before, but I’ve been practicing,” said Dominque. “I’m excited and nervous at the same time.”

JFS offers various support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Denver metro area. We believe relationships and community are critical to the well-being of all adults, and our programs include advocacy, social interaction, recreation, job development, and more—all with a person-centered approach.