February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), a time to raise awareness and elevate the voices of people living with disabilities. At JCFS Chicago, we offer services and programs throughout the year that provide people with disabilities, their families and caregivers the support they need to be accepted and included in all aspects of Jewish and community life.

One recipient of our inclusive services is Jacob*, who recently moved into one of the integrated community living homes supported by JCFS. Jacob had led a sedentary lifestyle before joining the group home setting, but he soon discovered that his roommates enjoy lots of activities throughout the week, including bowling on Sundays.

When he was invited to join the group on bowling outings, Jacob would decline, saying it “wasn’t his thing.” But at a subsequent appointment with Anthony LeMaster, QIDP Case Manager for the Residential Supports Program, Jacob’s mother revealed that Jacob did not know how to bowl.

So Anthony took it upon himself to teach Jacob bowling fundamentals so he could participate if he wanted.

“I talked with him, and we came up with a plan on how to get him more engaged,” Anthony said. “I would help him learn, one-on-one, how to bowl.”

Anthony took Jacob to the bowling alley where he taught him how to get his bowling shoes, select a bowling ball and play the game. He said Jacob picked up bowling skills very well and he encouraged him to go on at least two bowling outings with the other residents during the next month.

When Anthony checked back, he learned Jacob had only participated in one bowling outing. The two went back to the bowling alley for more practice and Anthony soon discovered that although Jacob had retained his skills, he was not interested in bowling because he had difficulty with the large crowds at the bowling alley.

“For him specifically, even getting him to agree to go and do something was quite big,” Anthony said. “So now he’s much more engaged in activities and he understands that it’s good for him to go out and do things.”

Jacob may not continue bowling, but now he is motivated to get involved in other ways. He is focusing on getting a job.

“I think he’s come a long way,” Anthony said.

*name changed for anonymity