MeltonKC and Sasone are partnering for a new class designed specifically for adults with disabilities.
The course, entitled “What’s Mine is Yours,” was adapted by The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, in conjunction with Matan, a national Jewish disability inclusion organization that works to support Jewish disability inclusion work throughout the country. Kansas City will be one of a handful of communities piloting this program.
“We are happy to be able to host this course in Kansas City. MeltonKC and Jewish Experiences strive to offer programming that is inclusive to the entire community,” said Megan Pener, manager of Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J.
The curriculum consists of various modules (three one-hour lessons each). The first four modules were adapted from Members of the Tribe, covering foundational Jewish concepts related to identity and meaning. Part of the impetus for this project was the recently completed Matan community study which pointed to a lack of opportunities for Jewish adults with disabilities.
“Like most other communities around the country, once students with disabilities age out of school programs, there is really not much left,” said Lindsey Lipsky, director of Sasone. “After age 21, [there] is just a cliff in terms of services and support for individuals with disabilities. The results can often be shocking for families.”
With the help of the Katianne Sunshine Fund, which was established at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City in memory of Katianne Bordy Tannenwald, Sasone and MeltonKC collaborated to receive a grant to start the class.
“I can think of no greater project than Sasone beginning an initiative to support students beyond just our current space,” said Lipsky, who will also serve as the first instructor of this course. “I hope this will serve as a turning point for new adaptive programs in our community.”
The first cohort will begin Jan. 5, meeting select Sundays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Campus. Ongoing registration spots are available; peers and/or caregivers are also welcome to attend.
Sign up and more information is available at thejkc.org/meltonkc or by emailing Pener at to sign up.
