During Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), we’re recognizing three local Jewish-owned businesses who have hired individuals with disabilities through the JCFS Duman Opportunity Center.

It’s Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), a time for Jewish organizations to join forces to raise awareness and promote acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities. JCFS Chicago is coming together with partner agencies to better support people with intellectual/development disabilities (I/DD).

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.

Teri, who has been working at a local restaurant, called her Duman Employment Specialist (ES) to ask for help. She wanted to get more hours at her job, so the ES went to observe Teri at work to help her make improvements.

Over a dozen adults in JCFS Chicago’s Residential Supports program recently learned about healthy snacks, thanks to a nutrition initiative run by several local college students. The four-session program is the brainchild of JCFS nurse Janis Goodman.

Two JCFS programs – Residential Supports and the Duman Opportunity Center – are working together to help individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) achieve independence and be active members of their communities.

Individuals with disabilities often face challenges when it comes to finding a job... JCFS Chicago’s Duman Opportunity Center offers various degrees of support for job seekers, such as Customized Employment, a job creation strategy based on the skills of the person seeking employment. 

In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), JCFS Chicago is proud to join Jewish local and national organizations in a unified effort to raise awareness and elevate the voices of people living with disabilities.

Angie’s Pantry is a small catering company in Chicago. The owner, Angie, had been looking for a reliable employee for quite a while, so she reached out to JCFS Chicago for help.

Equity in the workplace means giving everyone a chance to contribute. JCFS Chicago collaborates with outside employers to help them create inclusive and welcoming workplaces for individuals with disabilities.