Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of H. Res. 1014, a resolution recognizing February as North American Inclusion Month (NAIM). H. Res. 1014 was introduced by Rep. Edolphus Towns with 59 Members cosponsoring. The resolution passed the House by a vote of 389-0.
North American Inclusion Month aims to increase public awareness of the life circumstances of individuals with disabilities, and the need for increased employment opportunities, better special education and increased inclusion of these individuals on the family, communal and national levels. NAIM is a project of Yachad, the National Jewish Council for Disabilities, part of the Orthodox Union’s programmatic division serving the Jewish community. Yachad is committed to addressing the needs of all individuals with disabilities and including them in the Jewish community.
Maury Litwack, deputy director of public policy for the Orthodox Union, stated, “The Orthodox Union commends passage of H. Res. 1014 by the House of Representatives and thanks Chairman Towns for introducing this resolution. NAIM has helped over 10,000 individuals with disabilities to date, and this month, will continue its mission of dramatically improving the lives of Jews with disabilities through their inclusion in the community.”