Through the Inclusive Lens (July ProSpeak)

The U.S. government estimates that approximately 20 percent of the population has a disability — about 60 million people. Those disabilities affect not only the individuals but also their families, friends, classmates, co-workers and community members. This means that your organization’s target audience of constituents includes people who are affected by the issue of disability.

The Ruderman Family Foundation — where I work as the director of communications — supports innovative programs that foster the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the Jewish community and Israel. We believe that no matter the program, no matter the age of your organization’s constituents, people with disabilities can and should be included. We have seen organizations that have become inclusive and have flourished because they were determined to help everyone in their target audiences.