Changing Attitudes
Wrong assumptions, condescending speech and behavior, and avoidance of people with obvious or hidden disabilities are the biggest barriers to building inclusive communities. We strive to change misconceptions about people with disabilities and their families. Yad HaChazakah-JDEC staff and volunteers present at shuls, synagogues, yeshivas, day schools, and special events and we use media to convey our messages to larger audiences.
Would you like to join us in changing attitudes? Would you like us to speak at your synagogue, yeshiva, organization, or business? Contact us at access@yadempowers.org or call 646-723-3956.
Expanding Access
- Work With Us
- Access and Inclusiveness Overview
- Event and Program Access
- Mikvah Access
- Synagogue and Shul Access
- Yeshiva and Day School Access
Work With Us
Work with us in expanding physical and communication access and program inclusiveness for people with physical, vision, and hearing disabilities to shuls, yeshivas, batei midrash, stores, agencies, mikvahs, and events. Whether you’re the owner of a store, or a leader of a congregation or yeshiva, please email access@yadempowers.org or phone/relay 646-723-3656 for guidance regarding making your place and services accessible to people with disabilities.
If you're a person with a disability who is experiencing barriers to Jewish community participation, please email access@yadempowers.orgor phone/relay 646-723-3955.
Access and Inclusiveness Overview
AccessSelfAssessment-BriefSurvey - Link to PDFAcknowledge yourself!
You have taken a big step towards building a more inclusive organization just by reviewing and reflecting upon the statements and questions below. As you review them, acknowledge the ways your organization already accommodates people with disabilities or ongoing conditions. Then consider new ways to welcome and involve the broadest spectrum of your community or audience. Please use this to yearly review your progress. “It is not your duty to complete the work. But neither are you free to desist from it.” Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 2:16.Organizational Access
- Is our leadership committed to creating a disability- friendly environment?
- Are policies and procedures in place regarding the recruitment, nomination, employment, accommodation, and promotion of people with disabilities within our organization as board members, management, staff, and volunteers?
- Do people with disabilities now serve in governing, paid, and volunteer positions in our organization?
- Do we involve people with disabilities in our building design and program planning processes?
Building and Infrastructure Access
- Can wheelchair users independently enter and travel throughout our main facility and satellites?
- Are floors safely used by those who use canes, crutches, or walkers?
- Can our bathrooms and program facilities be used by wheelchair users?
Program and Communication Access
- Do we keep in mind people who are blind, have low vision, or have learning disabilities when we design and produce websites, blogs, handouts, videos, as well as marketing and public service material?
- Does our organization reach out to and accommodate people from the deaf community? Those who are hard of hearing?
- Do we caption our videos for people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
- Does our promotional material invite people with disabilities to request reasonable accommodations?
- Do we accommodate people who might need some time alone?
- Do we have fragrance-free or fragrance limitation policies to protect people with environmental sensitivities?
- Do we accommodate people with diet restrictions when we provide food at an event?
- Do we accommodate children and adults who need extra attention or structure?
Attitudes and Outreach
- Do we encourage everyone in our organization to expand their social comfort zones and reach out to and learn about people who live with different hidden or obvious disabilities or conditions?
- How does our organization reach out to people with different disabilities or ongoing conditions?
Event and Program Access
Event And Program Access -Link To PDF The following checklist provides a best practice guide to enable you to invite and involve the widest possible audience. Your ability to accommodate the broadest swath of people with varying abilities will depend mostly on your commitment to do so. Let the list guide you; not intimidate you. Whatever you cannot do this time, you might be able to do next time. We just ask you to use this checklist each time you plan a program or organize an event. “It is not your duty to complete the work. But neither are you free to desist from it.” Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 2:16.Event Preparation
- The event will be held in a wheelchair accessible location.
- Event information and advance and on-site registration materials are accessible to a broad range of potential participants. Online material and forms should meet website accessibility standards. Go to http://www.afb.org/section.aspx?SectionID=57&TopicID=167 for information about increasing user access to your website, blogs, and forms.
- Your marketing materials and ads note that the venue is wheelchair accessible and that reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request.
- Registration materials invite registrants to request reasonable accommodations (such as large print, sign language, captioning, Braille, or dietary alternatives).
- Registration fees are waived for personal care assistants going with registrants.
- Service animals are welcome.
- Funds have been allocated in the budget to cover the cost of reasonable accommodations. [These costs may be covered by event fees, sponsorships, donated services, grant funds, savings, etc. If sign language is requested, two (2) sign language interpreters (not one) are required for most presentations and group meetings. Rates for reasonable accommodations often vary.]
- Presenters have been asked if they need accommodations for equal access.
- Food options are given for participants with dietary restrictions/allergies.
- A fragrance-free or fragrance use limitation policy is established and publicized to protect those who have environmental/chemical sensitivities.
- Signs to elevators, accessible pathways, accessible bathrooms, and for meeting rooms are designed in large, bold font with sharp contrast. Braille or raised lettering is a plus.
- Volunteers are recruited and assigned, upon request, to escort participants with vision or mobility disabilities to travel from place to place during the event.
- Sign language interpreters or real-time captioning consultants are reserved.
- Someone is assigned to greet the sign language interpreters or real-time captioning consultants and introduce them to the deaf participants.
- Someone is assigned to set up the assistive listening system, hand out ear pieces at each session, and provide hands-free adjustable microphones.
- Members of the event execution team are knowledgeable about communicating with people with various disabilities in a NON-condescending manner.
- A room or space with seating is set aside for people who need privacy.
Pathways and Parking
- Curb ramps to sidewalks are in place.
- Pathways are smooth and unobstructed and are at least 48“ (inches) wide, with slopes of no more than 5 percent.
- Level resting spaces are around entrance doors, 5 x 5 feet.
- Accessible parking spaces are marked and are close to accessible entrances.
- Signs direct people to alternate wheelchair accessible entrances.
Entrances and Doors
- At least one of the primary entrances is wheelchair accessible.
- Door openings are 32“ wide or more.
- Non-accessible entrances have signs giving directions to the accessible entrance.
- The entrance door is automatic or the pull force on the door is 5 pounds or less.
- If not, the door will be kept open or a door assistant will be assigned.
Public Areas
- The path to the registration area is wheelchair accessible.
- The registration table is accessible from a seated position.
- All pathways are slip resistant and free of protruding objects so that persons who use crutches, canes, and walkers do not fall.
- An elevator is available for event activities on other floors including minyanim. If not the activity can and will be moved to a wheelchair accessible location, upon request. (Advance registration will help plan for this.)
- Signs to elevators and accessible bathrooms are placed in several obvious places leading to each and can easily be seen from a seated position.
Public Restrooms
- Accessible restrooms are located on accessible, unobstructed route(s) of travel.
- Restroom floors are slip-resistant and unobstructed.
- Signage at inaccessible restrooms direct people to accessible restrooms.
- The doors to restrooms provide a minimum of 32“ of clear opening width.
- Restroom doors have levered handles.
- There is an accessible toilet stall, with a door at least 32” wide that swings outward.
- The toilet seat is 17” to 19“ above the floor.
- Toilet paper can easily be reached from the toilet seat by someone with minimal arm extension.
- Grab bars are located at the side and back of the toilet.
- The sink provides knee clearance of 29“.
- Soap, a paper towel dispenser and other amenities are located at or below 48“ from the floor.
Meeting Room, Teleconference, and Webinar Set-Up
- Meeting rooms and the auditorium are on accessible, unobstructed pathways.
- Doors provide at least 32“ clear width.
- There is at least one clear pathway (at least 36” wide) going through the room.
- The stage or elevated area is wheelchair accessible.
- Height and angle suitable lecterns, tables, and hands-free micro¬phones are available for speakers with physical challenges.
- Large print, electronic, and Braille handouts are available as per prior request.
- Scattered seating spaces are provided for wheelchair users who prefer to be seated in the main body of the “audience”, not in the front or back of the auditorium or room, nor in the passageway aisles.
- There is adequate lighting for persons with low vision.
- A sign language interpreter or CART (real time captioning system) is in place as per prior request.
- An assistive listening system for people with hearing aids or cochlear implants is set up as per prior request. Hands-free and adjustable microphones are present.
- Seating near the presenter(s) is set up and designated for the sign language interpreters and participants who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have low-vision.
- If you’re holding a webinar or teleconference, accommodations have been made for participants with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities.
Program Content and Activities
- Presenters know to read PowerPoint and writing-board content aloud.
- Live or recorded video content is captioned for people with hearing disabilities.
- Live or recorded video is described for people with vision disabilities.
- Wheelchair users and others with compromised mobility are able to participate in each activity. Organizers will explain how, if it’s not apparent.
- Activity-related writing assistance is provided upon request.
- If a trip is planned using group-transport, accessible transportation is arranged.
- For overnight lodging, accessible guest rooms are available upon request.
- If food or drinks are provided, tables less than 34” high are set up with all food and drinks within reach, food and drinks for people on restricted diets are presented, straws are available.
- Exits are clearly identified and accessible.
- Fire and emergency alarms have both audible and visible signals.
- There is an evacuation plan for persons with disabilities.
Mikvah Access
Mikvah Access - Link to PDF The mikvah (ritual bath) plays an essential role in the lives of Torah observant women and men. The prohibition that forbids a man to have marital relations with his bride/wife until she immerses herself in a mikvah after her menstrual cycle and the obligation for a convert to immerse himself or herself make it essential that every woman or convert in a community be able to access the mikvah. This imperative applies to those with disabilities or ongoing health conditions. Unfortunately, a person can acquire a temporary or long-lasting disability or health condition at any stage in life; so our mikvah buildings and infrastructures should be designed and equipped in ways that can accommodate people with mobility, hearing, vision, and other disabilities. The following are guidelines for the design for a fully accessible mikvah. It is most important that the user be able to access the building, a bathroom, and a mikvah pool. If you’re working with a preexisting mikvah, go through the list and do whatever is possible. For example, hydraulic full body lift systems can be used in older mikvah buildings to transfer a wheelchair user through narrow interior doorways, onto toilets, as well as into and out of the mikvah pool. Nevertheless, it is best practice to design a new or renovated mikvah structure in ways that maximize the mikvah user’s ability to independently access and use the facilities and amenities that a mikvah offers. Get input and ongoing feedback from mikvah users with disabilities in your community and surrounding areas.Paths, Entrances, and Parking
- Curb ramps to sidewalks are in place.
- Pathways are smooth and unobstructed and are at least 48“ (inches) wide, with slopes of no more than 5 percent.
- At least one entrance is wheelchair accessible.
- Signs direct people to the wheelchair accessible entrance, if it’s not the main entrance.
- Level resting space around entrance doors, 5 x 5 feet is provided.
- Accessible parking spaces are marked with signs and are close to accessible entrances.
Ramps and Stairs
- Ramps are 36“ wide, minimum, extending one foot in length for every inch of rise, a 1:12 ratio. Thus, a ramp replacing an 8-inch step must extend 8 feet.
- Handrails are placed on at least one side of the ramp, 32“ above the surface.
- Ramps have non-skid surfaces and are cleared from snow and protruding objects.
- Stair handrails on both sides are installed, 32“ above the step, and extend a foot beyond the top and bottom of the stairs.
- Stairs have slip-resistant surfaces, i.e. rubber treads.
- A slightly raised abrasive strip is adhered to the top step of each stairway to warn people with limited sight where the stairs begin.
Doors, Doorways, and Internal Pathways
- Doorway openings are 32“ wide or more, including the doorway leading from the accessible bathroom to the accessible mikvah pool.
- If any preexisting doorways are not wide enough for an adult-sized wheelchair, either the particular doorway is widened (preferable) or a hydraulic lift is installed.
- Doorway colors contrast against the wall colors.
- No more than 5 pounds of pressure is needed to open doors.
- Doors can be opened with lever handles or with a push bar. If not, the door will be kept open or a buzzer and door assistant will be in place.
- All pathways are slip resistant and free of protruding objects so that persons who use crutches, canes, and walkers do not fall.
- All permanent signage complies with Section 4.30 of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), for people with various vision disabilities.
Accessible Bathroom Configuration
- At least one bathroom is designed to be wheelchair accessible.
- Bathroom doors in accessible bathrooms allow at least 32" of clear passage width.
- Clear floor space is provided to enable persons who use wheelchairs with footrests to turn around – via either a 60" diameter circle or a "T"-turn area.
- There is adequate room for a person who uses a wheelchair to approach the bathroom door from the pull-side and pull it open without it hitting the wheelchair.
- Floors are slip-resistant and unobstructed so that persons who use crutches and walkers do not fall.
- Two grab bars are installed, one adjacent to the commode and one behind the commode, to facilitate side transfer from a wheelchair.
- The toilet seat is between 17"-19" above the floor.
- Toilet paper can easily be reached from the toilet seat by someone with minimal arm extension.
- A call button with a pull cord is within easy reach from a seated position on the toilet.
- The sink is no more than 34" high with at least 29" high clearance under the front edge to allow persons who use wheelchairs to pull under the sink and use the faucet hardware.
- The sink has a drain and hot water pipes that are insulated or otherwise configured to protect against skin contact with hot metal.
- The sink has a lever-controlled faucet that is easily operable and usable with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.
- The towel racks are placed within 54" of the floor for side approach or 48" of the floor for forward approach so that persons who use wheelchairs can approach and use the towel racks.
Shower or Bathtub in the Accessible Bathroom
Roll-in Shower- A roll-in shower can be used by everyone, including wheelchair users and others with compromised mobility, instead of or in addition to an accessible bathtub.
- The roll-in shower has a securely fastened foldable seat at 17"-19" above the floor which ambulatory users can use or onto which wheelchair users may transfer in order to shower.
- The faucet controls and hand-held shower wand are positioned on the wall adjacent to the fold-down shower seat so that they are operable from the shower seat or from the shower wheelchair.
- A horizontal grab bar on the wall adjacent to (not behind) the foldable shower seat is installed for stabilization and for aiding in the transfer from a wheelchair to the foldable shower seat.
- A horizontal grab bar on the wall opposite the seat is installed for stabilization and to aid in maneuvering while in a shower wheelchair.
- The roll-in shower is free of doors that would impede someone from transferring from a wheelchair onto the seat.
- The roll-in shower is free of curbs or lips leading to the shower floor that would impede a wheelchair user’s approach and transfer onto the foldable shower seat.
- The roll-in shower has faucet controls that are easily operable with one hand (i.e.: levers, wrist blades, single faucet arm, etc.) without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.
- An adjustable height hand-held shower wand with at least a 60" long hose is provided so that persons who shower from a seated position may wash and rinse with the directional spray.
- There is a gap between the wall and the inside face of each grab bar that is exactly 1½" to accommodate persons with disabilities who rest their forearms on the bars for stabilization so that the arm cannot accidentally pass between the grab bar and wall especially if a fall occurs.
- A rolling shower chair, with a slide-out footrest, dual drop arms for easy and safe transfer, and a seat belt is provided for wheelchair users.
- The bathtub faucet and shower controls are positioned between the center of the end wall and the open side of the tub so that persons with disabilities may approach and adjust the controls before they transfer onto the tub seat to bathe.
- The faucet and shower controls should be turned on and off easily with levers and be operatable and used with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.
- A transfer tub seat (that can be securely attached to the tub) is available for persons who may not be able to lower into or rise from the bottom of the tub.
- An adjustable hand-held shower wand with at least a 60" long hose is provided so persons who bathe and shower from a seated position may wash and rinse with the directional spray.
- A horizontal grab bar at the foot of the tub (by the controls) that is at least 24" long is installed for stabilization while a person with a disability adjusts the water controls.
- A horizontal grab bar at the head of the tub that is at least 12" long is in place for stabilization and to aid in the transfer from a wheelchair to the fixed tub seat.
- Two horizontal grab bars (one high/one low) along the side of the tub that are at least 24" long are mounted for stabilization and to aid in the transfer from a wheelchair to the fixed tub seat.
- The gap between the wall and the inside face of each grab bar is exactly 1½" so that persons with disabilities can rest their forearms on the bars for stabilization without risking their arms accidentally passing between the grab bar and wall, especially if a fall occurs.
- A lift to transfer someone with limited mobility into and out of the tub is available.
- A permanent or portable and self-operable hydraulic lift is available for people who are unable to use the pool steps to enter and leave a mikvah pool. The lift will accommodate people with the least to most significant physical disabilities.
- If the doorway leading from the preparation bathroom to the mikvah pool is not wide enough to allow an adult-sized wheelchair to pass through, either the doorway is widened (preferable) or a self-operable hydraulic lift is set up to convey the mikvah user from the bathroom directly into the mikvah pool.
- Washable tactile and color-contrasting warning strips are placed around the mikvah pool to alert people with vision disabilities that they are approaching the edge of the pool.
- A grab bar, perpendicular to a pool wall, that vertically rises above the water’s surface can be firmly inserted into or affixed to the mikvah pool wall and pool floor to allow the mikvah user to either hold or wrap either arm around it for stability. Leave enough room for body positioning and immersing and for assistants to help inside the poll.
- Optional: A transfer system, consisting of a raised transfer platform and a series of transfer steps that descend into the water is built in addition to providing the lift system to give people with arm strength an alternate way to access the mikvah.
Mikvah Attendants
Mikvah Access - Link to PDF The mikvah attendant plays a crucial role in ensuring that the mikvah is ready for use and that women properly fulfill the mitzvah. The mikvah experience is enhanced when the mikvah users feel comfortable talking with the attendant, especially about personal matters. When the mikvah user has a disability or health condition, she very much requires the ability to comfortably talk and collaboratively work with the attendant during the preparation and immersion processes. The following are guidelines for mikvah attendants to use when they work with people with disabilities.- Speak to everyone in an adult tone and manner.
- Speak directly to the mikvah user, not to anyone accompanying her, about herself and about what she needs for preparation and immersion.
- If the person is deaf or hard of hearing, ask her how she would like to communicate with you during her preparation and immersion. This discussion can be conducted through texting, emailing, writing, or by using the 711 telephone relay service.
- Don’t ask the mikvah user for personal information unless the information is functional in nature and directly related to preparation or immersion.
- Discuss with the mikvah user about how she would like to prepare and immerse and how you can help. Please do not assume you (the mikvah attendant) know best.
Synagogue and Shul Access
Synagogue and Shul Building Access - Link to PDF Preparer’s note: The text below is based upon and was greatly modified by Yad HaChazakah-JDEC for Torah observant communities from the monograph, “That All May Worship” by Ann Davis and Ginny Thornburgh. We added several bullet points and changed wording. The original publication may be found at www.aapd.com/what-we-do/interfaith/that-all-may-worship/01-that-all-may-worship.html. We credit Ms. Davis and Ms. Thornburg with pioneering efforts to encourage religious institutions to become user-friendly to people with disabilities. Though the focus is on synagogues and shuls, much of the checklist applies to most types of buildings, including yeshivot and event halls. When beginning to make the architectural and structural changes that are necessary to welcome people with disabilities into existing buildings, start with things that can be accomplished relatively easily. Get underway! Visible signs of change will encourage your community to take the next step towards achieving maximum physical access. Certainly, all new construction or remodeling should meet local access and building codes. “Open for me the gates of righteousness. I will enter” Tehillim (Psalms), 118. Begin by consulting architects, contractors, carpenters and plumbers who are familiar with disability access codes. Their skills are needed and this is their day to shine! Don't forget to consult persons with various physical, vision, and hearing disabilities during every phase of evaluation and planning. By not doing so, you may make well-intended but inadequate, even wasteful, modifications. If you’re constructing or renovating a synagogue or shul, please make sure that congregants who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices can access the bima (platform or place where services are led) in order to lead services, read the Torah, and deliver divrei Torah. It’s essential that people with disabilities are related to as givers and leaders, as well as beneficiaries of synagogue services, events, and community life. Plan a fundraising strategy that involves everyone, young and old, rich and not-so-rich. Think about everything from bake sales, to special events, to capital campaigns that offer dedications in loving memory of a deceased relative. In addition, seek out community-based grants and low-interest loans. Check for the following around and inside your existing building or in your design plan:Paths, Entrances, and Parking
- Curb ramps to sidewalks are in place.
- Pathways are smooth and unobstructed and are at least 48” (inches) wide, with slopes of no more than 5 percent.
- At least one entrance is wheelchair accessible for men and women.
- Ideally, it is the main entrance where all arrive and greet each other.
- Signs direct people to wheelchair accessible entrance, if it’s not the main entrance.
- Level resting space around entrance doors, 5 x 5 feet is provided.
- Accessible parking spaces are marked and are close to accessible entrances.
Ramps and Stairs
- Ramps are 36” wide, minimum, extending one foot in length for every inch of rise, a 1:12 ratio. Thus, a ramp replacing an 8-inch step must extend 8 feet.
- Handrails are placed on at least one side of the ramp, 32” above the surface.
- Ramps have non-skid surfaces and are cleared from snow and protruding objects.
- Stair handrails on both sides are installed, 32” above the step, and extend a foot beyond the top and bottom of the stairs.
- Stairs have slip-resistant surfaces, i.e. rubber treads.
- A slightly raised abrasive strip is adhered to the top step of each stairway to warn people with limited sight where the stairs begin.
Doors, Doorways, and Internal Pathways
- Door openings are 32” wide or more.
- Doorway colors contrast against the wall colors.
- No more than 5 pounds of pressure is needed to open doors.
- Doors can be opened with lever handles or with a push bar.
- If not, the door will be kept open or a door assistant will be assigned.
- All pathways are slip resistant and free of protruding objects so that persons who use crutches, canes, and walkers do not fall.
Worship and Learning Places in Synagogues or Shuls
- Seating arrangements are made for people using crutches, walkers, braces or casts.
- Scattered seating spaces are provided for wheelchair users who prefer to be seated in the main bodies of the men’s and women’s sections or general assembly, not in the front or back of the sanctuary or auditorium, nor in the passageway aisles. These spaces can easily be made by shortening several pews or removing seats from several scattered aisles, leaving 36” of space for wheelchair users.
- The bima is level to the ground or has a ramp leading to it.
- The bima has lecterns, tables, and microphones (used when halachically permissible) that are height and angle adjustable for baalei tefilla (prayer leaders), baalei keria (Torah readers), and speakers with mobility limitations.
- Adequate lighting is directed on the face of the speaker for those who read lips, as well as adequate general lighting in the sanctuary.
- An assistive listening system is available and used, when halachically permissible, by program presenters for the benefit people who are hard of hearing.
- Tables with scattered spaces for wheelchair users or bookstands are available to rest sifrei kodesh (prayer books and other holy writings) and handouts.
- The ezrat nashim (women’s section) is accessible for women who cannot easily climb stairs. If the ezrat nashim is located upstairs, do one of the following:
- Install a Shabbat elevator or stair lift that can accommodate wheelchair users.
- Carve out a section in the accessible men’s section where the above-mentioned women and a few of their friends (whether or not they are ambulatory) can participate in the service. The m’chitza (divider) should be designed to enable women in seated positions to easily see the rabbi or other people speak.
Bathrooms
- At least one bathroom for each gender is accessible to wheelchair users, ideally one on each floor. Unisex bathrooms are best for wheelchair users and their assistants. Two grab bars are installed, one adjacent to the commode and one behind the commode, to facilitate side transfer from a wheelchair.
- Floors are slip resistant and paths are unobstructed.
- Men or women can access a toilet stall that is 36” wide, with 48” of clearance from the closed bathroom stall door to the front edge of the toilet seat, 17” to 19” above floor, and a 32” door that swings out. Ideally, provide a 5ft x 5ft toilet stall with a 32” door that is placed off to the side and swings out.
- If major renovations are not possible at the moment, metal toilet stall dividers can be removed and an attractive washable curtain hung for full privacy for users.
- Toilet paper can easily be reached from the toilet seat by someone with minimal arm extension.
- A sink is placed with 29” of clearance from floor up to the bottom of the sink.
- Lever-type faucet controls and door handles are installed.
- Towel and soap dispensers are placed no higher than 48” from the floor.
Water Fountains (if otherwise provided)
- A water fountain is mounted with a basin no more than 36” from the floor, making it easy to operate from a wheelchair. A bar in front is pressed for water.
- As an interim measure, a supply of paper cups may be mounted next to the water fountain, or a water cooler.
Elevators and Lifts
- Elevators or platform lifts are installed for access to the sanctuary and all major program areas that are located on higher or lower levels. [Grammah (time-delay) switches may be installed for use on Shabbat. Ask your community posek (rabbinic authority) for his position on Shabbat elevators.]
- Elevator or lift controls are reachable by a wheelchair user.
- Braille and raised number plaques are adhered to elevator or lift control panels.
- A handrail is installed on at least one side of the elevator, 30”-32” from the floor.
Signage, Alarms, and Communication Systems
- The international symbol of accessibility identifies wheelchair accessible routes and bathroom facilities. Exits are clearly identified and are accessible.
- All permanent signage complies with Section 4.30 of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), for people with various vision disabilities.
- Fire and emergency alarms have both audible and visible signals.
Yeshiva and Day School Access
Yeshiva and Day School Access - Link to PDF Torah education is essential to the growth of the Torah-observant Jew and to the continuity of our people. Boys and girls as well as men and women with disabilities, like their peers, need access to yeshivot and day schools in order to acquire the skills they need in order to learn and pray and the information and knowledge they need in order to perform mitzvot. Unfortunately, there are yeshivot and day schools that still turn away school aged children with disabilities because they feel that they cannot accommodate them. Some of these children then attend public schools where Torah thought and behavior are often challenged and they have no natural access to a Torah observant peer group. This needs to change, for the good of the students, as well as for the good of our communities, and we all need to “think out of the box” to enable everyone to have access to Torah learning, from cheder through smicha or seminary. This addresses only yeshiva and day school building and communication infrastructure access. We cover general program access in a separate document in our “ACCESS MATTERS” series entitled, “Event and Program Access.” Other Jewish organizations have done much to develop strategies for adapting curricula to students with different learning, social, and behavioral capacities. Also, supports and equipment often can be acquired through your local board or department of education. For yeshiva or day school building access, begin by consulting architects, contractors, carpenters and plumbers who are familiar with disability access codes. Their skills are needed and this is their day to shine! Don't forget to consult persons with various physical, vision, and hearing disabilities during every phase of evaluation and planning. By not doing so, you may make well-intended but inadequate, even wasteful, modifications. Finance yeshiva or day school building and infrastructure accommodations by planning a fundraising strategy that involves everyone, young and old, rich and not-so-rich. Think about everything from bake sales, to special events, to capital campaigns that offer dedications in loving memory of a deceased relative. In addition, seek out community-based grants and low-interest loans. Celebrate each accomplishment. Check for the following around and inside your existing building or in your design plan:Paths, Entrances, and Parking
- Curb ramps to sidewalks are in place.
- Pathways are smooth and unobstructed and are at least 48” (inches) wide, with slopes of no more than 5 percent.
- At least one entrance is wheelchair accessible for men and women.
- Ideally, it is the main entrance where all arrive and greet each other.
- Signs direct people to wheelchair accessible entrance, if it’s not the main entrance.
- Level resting space around entrance doors, 5 x 5 feet is provided.
- Accessible parking spaces are marked and are close to accessible entrances.
Ramps and Stairs
- Ramps are 36” wide, minimum, extending one foot in length for every inch of rise, a 1:12 ratio. Thus, a ramp replacing an 8-inch step must extend 8 feet.
- Handrails are placed on at least one side of the ramp, 32” above the surface.
- Ramps have non-skid surfaces and are cleared from snow and protruding objects.
- Stair handrails on both sides are installed, 32” above the step, and extend a foot beyond the top and bottom of the stairs.
- Stairs have slip-resistant surfaces, i.e. rubber treads.
- A slightly raised abrasive strip is adhered to the top step of each stairway to warn people with limited sight where the stairs begin.
Doors, Doorways, and Internal Pathways
- Door openings are 32” wide or more.
- Doorway colors contrast against the wall colors.
- No more than 5 pounds of pressure is needed to open doors.
- Doors can be opened with lever handles or with a push bar.
- If not, the door will be kept open or a door assistant will be assigned.
- All pathways are slip resistant and free of protruding objects so that persons who use crutches, canes, and walkers do not fall.
Classrooms, Lunchrooms, Meeting Rooms, and Auditoriums
- All accessible rooms are on accessible, unobstructed pathways.
- Doors provide at least 32“ clear width.
- There is at least one clear pathway (at least 36” wide) going through the room.
- Elevated areas in classrooms and the stage in the auditorium are wheelchair accessible.
- Height and angle suitable lecterns, tables, and hands-free microphones are available for rabbeim, teachers, and speakers with physical challenges.
- Scattered seating spaces are provided for wheelchair users who prefer to be seated in the main body of the classroom, lunchroom, or auditorium, not necessarily in the front or back of the auditorium or room, nor in the passageway aisles.
- There is adequate lighting for persons with low vision.
- An assistive listening system for people with hearing aids or cochlear implants is available and set up as needed.
- Hands free and adjustable microphones are available in very large rooms for rabbeim, teachers, and presenters.
- Seating near the presenter(s) is set up and designated for the sign language interpreters and participants who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have low-vision.
- If a class, program, or activity has been scheduled in a room that cannot be accessed by a wheelchair user or someone with limited mobility, it will be moved to an accessible location, as needed and as possible.
- For a webinar or teleconference, accommodations have been made for participants with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities.
Bathrooms
- At least one bathroom for each gender is accessible to wheelchair users, ideally one on each floor. Unisex bathrooms are best for wheelchair users and their assistants. Two grab bars are installed, one adjacent to the commode and one behind the commode, to facilitate side transfer from a wheelchair.
- Floors are slip resistant and paths are unobstructed.
- Men or women can access a toilet stall that is 36” wide, with 48” of clearance from the closed bathroom stall door to the front edge of the toilet seat, 17” to 19” above floor, and a 32” door that swings out. Ideally, provide a 5ft x 5ft toilet stall with a 32” door that is placed off to the side and swings out.
- If major renovations are not possible at the moment, metal toilet stall dividers can be removed and an attractive washable curtain hung for full privacy for users.
- Toilet paper can easily be reached from the toilet seat by someone with minimal arm extension.
- A sink is placed with 29” of clearance from floor up to the bottom of the sink.
- Lever-type faucet controls and door handles are installed.
- Towel and soap dispensers are placed no higher than 48” from the floor.
Water Fountains (if otherwise provided)
- A water fountain is mounted with a basin no more than 36” from the floor, making it easy to operate from a wheelchair. A bar in front is pressed for water.
- As an interim measure, a supply of paper cups may be mounted next to the water fountain, or a water cooler.
Signage, Alarms, and Communication Systems
- The international symbol of accessibility identifies wheelchair accessible routes and bathroom facilities. Exits are clearly identified and are accessible.
- All permanent signage complies with Section 4.30 of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), for people with various vision disabilities.
- Fire and emergency alarms have both audible and visible signals.
Neighbor Helping Neighbor
Everyone needs help now and then. People with disabilities often have specific needs for help. A person who is blind may need help reading mail. A wheelchair user might need some household assistance when his wife goes in for surgery.
Yad HaChazakah-JDEC can arrange training for members of your local chessed committee or Bikkur Cholim about how to work with people with different conditions in the most respectful way. We also recruit and assign volunteers when possible and we encourage people with disabilities to volunteer or help with training.