Two campers from the back holding hands

The Essential Link Between Autism Awareness and Acceptance

In the case of autism, it’s clear we cannot have true acceptance without first raising awareness of the diversity and complexity of the autism spectrum. With both awareness and acceptance, we can work towards building a more inclusive society where individuals with autism can thrive and fulfill their potential.

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Team members standing in front of the lakefront

Highland Park is Home

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From relocating our adult day program to expanding residential services and introducing new vocational sites, Keshet’s relationship with Highland Park will grow in extraordinary ways in 2024.

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Two photos of Marc: one of him teaching and one with two campers

A Front Row Seat to Jewish Inclusion

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In this blog for JDAIM, Marc shares how his roles at Keshet give him a front row seat into the power of inclusion and the ways that Jewish values are seamlessly intertwined.

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Student and teacher working on an activity using a smartboard in the classroom

Technology Generates Inclusive Learning

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In the ever-evolving world of education, technology has become invaluable in shaping the way that our students learn and educators teach. Our students each receive the proper tools that foster growth, communication and a sense of belonging. The technology we provide goes beyond the classroom and, when used effectively, leads to endless success stories for all of Keshet’s students.

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Keshet adult holding a long Sukkot paper chain

Keshet’s Sukkot Spectacular

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The week of Sukkot is all about giving thanks, being outdoors and celebrating together as a community, all of which are right up our alley here at Keshet! Let’s see a little round-up of all that Keshet’s programs have planned for the holiday…

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Five camp chi staff in their staff shirts with their arms around each other

More Than A Paycheck

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There are four young adults holding jobs at Camp Chi with Keshet support. Through a grant from the Walder Foundation, Keshet is able to provide a job coach, resources and stipends for these employees to work as independently as possible.

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Three camp photos through the years and yellow, pink and blue text overlay that says "Why Keshet Wednesday"

Why Keshet Wednesday #1 – A Leader in Inclusive Camping

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For the next eight Wednesdays, we are going to give you a glimpse into the ways that Keshet’s camp programs are unique and special with a new series we are calling Why Keshet Wednesday. There is no better way to start off this summer series than with a little blast from the past…

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Zumba instructors and participants holding up certificates and making silly faces

Ditch the Workout and Join the Party

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Joining this community Zumba class is proof that inclusion and belonging are needed no matter your age, ability or interests, and can be accomplished in the most unexpected of ways.

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Audrey and Chana Rifka with two of their other friends at the Ida Crown All School Retreat

JDAIM Blog #4: Meaningful Friendships That Last A Lifetime

The beauty of being a Keshet or Ida Crown student is that at the end of the day, we are ALL learning real life skills so that we can have bright futures!

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Robyn working on a project with a student

JDAIM Blog #3: V’Ahavta Lereiacha Kamocha — A Keshet Value and Tie to Inclusion within the Jewish Community

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Keshet and other organizations we partner with have imparted on my students the most important teaching that I feel Judaism has to offer: V’Ahavta Lereiacha Kamocha, or love your neighbor as yourself.

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Jori smiling with a student

JDAIM Blog #2: Inclusion in Action at School

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One of the unique aspects of working at Keshet is being able to develop new inclusion opportunities between students at Keshet and our host schools. Seeing students form meaningful relationships and a newfound passion for inclusion is equally exciting and heartwarming.

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Ottenheimer family photo

JDAIM Blog #1: A Forever Home With Keshet

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Maya was just two months old when she was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome. For a long time, I didn’t know what Maya’s future would look like. It wasn’t until we found Keshet that I knew Maya would have a forever home.

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Camper sitting in a hammock with his thumbs up

23 Things on Keshet’s Horizon in 2023

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2022 was an incredible year for Keshet and there is so much to be proud of. But as you know, Keshet is always looking ahead to the future. We came up with a list of 23 things to look forward to with Keshet in 2023.

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A boy wearing a kipah holding hands with a girl as they walk down a path at camp

When We Get There

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As the new year approaches and I reflect on Keshet’s mission, I know without a shadow of a doubt that we will get there—all communal spaces will be inclusive and welcoming to people with disabilities.

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Group of campers and staff dressed for Shabbat at Camp Chi.

Visit to Camp Chi

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Almost fifty years after her first time going to overnight camp, Michelle is now experiencing what camps are like when they partner with Keshet. She’s finding more than just inclusion; it is true belonging.

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Young adult volunteers sitting at a table indoors at Teen & Tween Camp

Day Camp as Vocational Learning Lab

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While most people walk through a day camp and see the activities, campers and counselors, at Keshet, we see something more. Through our lens, day camps are outdoor, unconventional voc skills labs with endless work and natural supports.

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Lauryn at camp with two other staff

Living 10For2 With A Whole New Lens

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As a long-time camp person, I couldn’t remember a time where I didn’t live by the motto #10For2. All year long I count down for those 39 magical days of camp, because it’s given me lifelong friendships, shaped me into the leader I am today, and most of all it’s the place where I can be my most authentic self. For many of our Keshet participants and staff, their experience is no different.

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Two girls on swings at a local park

How Are You? Mental Health Awareness Month

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Providing for people’s emotional wellness has always been part of how Keshet supports people in our programs, and is now an important priority.

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A bunch of rainbow tiles that spell inclusion surrounded by scattered tan tiles

7 Ways We Can Be More Inclusive and Accessible in Our Everyday Lives

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There are many simple things that we could be doing on a daily basis that would not only improve the lives of those with disabilities, but pretty much everyone. Inclusion and accessibility measures shouldn’t just be done at an organization like Keshet, but within every facet of our lives. And, once we can shift our attitudes to reflect this wisdom, we have the ability to enact real, meaningful change.

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A group of our MY Life participants gathered together at Good Deeds Day.

Keshet in Action: Good Deeds Day

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We are thrilled to share the service opportunities our Keshet participants have been doing throughout the week of Good Deeds Day to help make a difference and #DoGood. 

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A group of girls hugging one another at "Z" Frank Apachi Day Camp.

Making the Shift From Inclusion to Belonging

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If we are not doing more to ensure that every single voice is not only welcome, but heard, then we are simply not doing enough. Inclusion, though important, is no longer the end goal of our programming, rather it is the launching pad to ensuring that all Keshet experiences are a place where each member feels that they belong without hesitation.

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Group of pre-teen boys at Camp Chi ready to go on the ropes course.

Keshet Matters

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“While I have always been connected to the other institutions on whose boards I have served over the last 30 plus years, I can honestly say that I have never felt such a deep connection and passion for any other organization the way I do about Keshet… Read On >

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Colorfully painted rocks

Justin’s Rock Garden

Everyone in the Keshet community is invited to contribute a painted rock in memory and honor of Justin Coe.

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Residents sitting outside social- distanced around a fire.

Keshet Adds an A & B to JDAIM

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Jewish Disability, Awareness and Inclusion month should shine a light on other important features in our community — Advocacy and Belonging.

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