(Courtesy of OU) The Orthodox Union’s (OU) Yachad, the leading group for individuals with disabilities in the Orthodox community, kicked off North American Inclusion Month (NAIM) with more than 200 events taking place around the United States and Canada. Programs are aimed to provide social opportunities in addition to developing sensitivity and awareness of what it means to live with disabilities, and educate communities on how they can do their part to make sure all Jews are included in all facets of life.

Programming is taking place in Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Los Angeles, CA; South Florida, New England, New Jersey, New York and Toronto.

Programming includes 14 shabbatonim around the country, cooking classes, bowling outings, learning programs, exercise programs, family support groups, sensitivity training, etc.

“Yachad has a rich history of bringing the best-in-class inclusive programming to communities throughout the U.S., Canada and Israel,” said Orthodox Union president, Moishe Bane. “Finding opportunities to acknowledge and include people with varying abilities during NAIM has become a unifying event for the entire community.”

“NAIM has become a cornerstone event for our community, and it unites us in making sure that each member of our community is valued and included,” said Orthodox Union executive vice president, Allen Fagin.

“Each year we look to build upon the NAIM program and host more programs in more communities,” said Yachad’s NAIM director, Rebecca Schrag Mayer. “Our hope is that this event shines a broader light on the amazing programming we are doing year-round.”