JFNA: Autism, And Awareness Month, An Opportunity To Live Jewish Values

Posted: Wed, 04/24/2013 - 16:20 | The New Normal

April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, an opportunity for all Americans to commit to supporting people with autism spectrum disorders, ensure they are afforded opportunities to reach their full potential, and appreciate the contributions individuals on the autism spectrum make to our families, communities and society.

DIY Disability Audit: How Do We Welcome All With Joy?

Posted: Wed, 04/24/2013 - 15:01 | The New Normal

We have been referred to, and refer to ourselves, as the “People of the Book.” Actually, we seem more to be the people of the question. The Torah is filled with questioners, challengers, activists. The Talmud: more questions, clarifications, debates, arguments over every word, nuance and point.

Yehuda Avner's 10 Commandments

Posted: Tue, 04/23/2013 - 17:18 | The RosenBlog

Ambassador Yehuda Avner is the 84-year-old rock star of Jewish media these days.

His 2010 memoir, “The Prime Ministers,” based on the notes he took as a senior advisor to five Israeli prime ministers in their private meetings with world leaders, is still a best-seller and still in hard cover. A full-length documentary film, based on the book, will have its New York premiere on May 7.

Maimonides Preached Inclusion, But We Still Don't Seem To Get It

Posted: Tue, 04/23/2013 - 16:36 | The New Normal

As concerned as we are about economic justice, the American Jewish community has failed to understand, on a gut level, a glaring reality: adults with disabilities in the U.S. disproportionately experience poverty. According the census bureau, about one in five Americans has a disability. That means twenty percent of us.

Follow The Yellow Brick Road

Posted: Mon, 04/22/2013 - 21:14 | Political Insider

The road to the White House goes through Jerusalem. At least it seems that way as the Israeli capital has become a virtually mandatory stop for politicians of both parties running for president. The latest arrival is Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley this week, accompanied by a bevy of business execs and Jewish community leaders from his state.

Window On Washington: New Normal Attends Two Major Disability Conferences

Posted: Mon, 04/22/2013 - 11:07 | The New Normal

This week I attended two major conferences for lawyers whose main function is to help people with disabilities. Frankly, it would be wonderful if these lawyers weren't needed. Imagine a society that valued people with disabilities enough that our constitutional rights would be automatically protected.