Accessibility

As part of its commitment to welcoming and accommodating people with disabilities in the shul, the Board of Governors has designated a new subcommittee. The Accessibility Committee, under the sponsorship of the Building Committee, will focus on policies, practices and procedures to ensure that the synagogue is a welcoming, supportive environment for people with disabilities. Cathy Mallove has agreed to chair the Accessibility Committee.

The decision to strike an Accessibility Committee was based on a number of factors, including:

1. The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07 (the Customer Service Standard) is now law. By January 1, 2012, all private businesses and organizations (including synagogues and non-profits) with one or more employees that provide goods or services (including programs) to the public or third parties will have to comply with the requirements of the Customer Service Standard. The Narayever Accessibility Committee will advise on the successful implementation and monitoring of the requirements at our shul.
2. The Toronto Jewish Community has been working on community-wide inclusion initiatives through the Itanu Toronto Inclusion Initiative of UJA Federation. Itanu defines their vision as: "A more inclusive Jewish community where people with special needs are able to fully participate in educational, spiritual, communal, social and recreational activities. The principles of inclusion and acceptance of diversity shall be embedded as common practice for the long term. Social inclusion reflects values that are inherent to Jewish Life: Derech Eretz (respectful behaviour); Hesed (compassion for the disadvantaged and the vulnerable); K'vod Habriot (encouraging dignity for all), and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world and making it a better place)."

   In support of this vision, The First Narayever Congregation participated with other synagogues on the development of a publication called Breaking Down Barriers: A Guide to Synagogue Accessibility. The guide provides an excellent overview of ways communities can improve access to people with disabilities. We continue to participate in a network of Toronto area synagogues to share issues and opportunities.

3. The Special Projects and Building Committees have been gathering input, analyzing alternatives and considering options to increase access to the shul for people with physical disabilities. Our discussions have prompted a wider discussion around access for a broader range of accommodations in our shul. The Accessibility Committee will be involved and/or consulted on the issue of barrier-free access, but its mandate will address the broader issues of accessibility in our community.

In its first few months, the goals of the committee are to:

• Recruit committee members. If you are interested in the work of the Accessibility Committee, please contact Cathy Mallove at accessibility@narayever.ca or 416-536-4414.
• Establish Terms of Reference to more clearly determine committee roles, responsibilities, process and direction.
• Gather information, including feedback from Narayever members, to develop an Accessibility Plan. In addition to complying with the requirements of the Customer Service Standard, our focus will be to better understand and eliminate issues and challenges for people with disabilities in our community.
• Identify things we can do right now to improve accessibility, such as training for ushers on access and supports, provision of large-text siddurim, and improved awareness for all.

The Accessibility Committee looks forward to working together with our community on making our warm and hamishe shul more accessible and welcoming to all.