I’m coming to Miami!
February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month – are you aware of what you should be
aware of? Be honest – how do you react when you see a person with a disability? What are your initial
thoughts? Do you automatically think “they can’t”, or do you give them the opportunity to show you
who they are? Do you give them the same chance that you give everyone else you meet?
That person that you see wearing leg braces – do you automatically assume that they are cognitively
impaired? Do you instinctively pitch your voice extra high or low when you talk to them? Maybe she’s
brilliant or has a great sense of humor or is an expert chef or…a regular person just like you – a package
deal. And don’t think ‘of course she can’t cook if she has a hard time getting around’ – just get to know
her and see what she can accomplish.
And when you meet someone who is blind, don’t assume that they sit and twiddle their thumbs all day
because how can they accomplish if they cannot see. Introduce yourself, get to really know them, and
you will find that they can read, write, hold down a job, cook and bake and even indulge in hobbies.
Don’t assume that they cannot hear even if they can’t see.
Your viewpoint influences your reality. When you see someone with a disability, assume and believe
that they CAN, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out how capable they really are.
Gitty you are AMAZING!!!!!
Thanks! 😊
Thank you Gitty for your beautiful insight into various disabilities . Our daughter Abbie is able to see and hear, smile,and learn Torah at a high level. Unfortunately, Abbie is unable to move her limbs on command. If her ex husband and children took the time to see Abbie’s beautiful smile and to hear her yeahs, they might not have given up on Abbie.
Hi Susan and Abbie,
Welcome to the site! Wow, that sounds like a lot. Looking forward to connecting through my articles,
Wishing you the best and be in touch ❤
Thank you Gitty for your beautiful insight into various disabilities . Our daughter Abbie is able to see and hear, smile,and learn Torah at a high level. Unfortunately, Abbie is unable to move her limbs on command. If her ex husband and children took the time to see Abbie’s beautiful smile and to hear her yeahs, they might not have given up on Abbie. This is our first time reading your page Gitty and we both enjoyed it.
i am beyond impressed!
Thank you so much! 😊
We know each other for 35 years now, and Gitty, you stiil inspire me! Love, Rivka!
Thank you Rivka for supporting me always and starting me of on this road of positivity and speaking! 😊