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1. Nechama Cohen says

   January 21, 2013 at 9:59 pm

   I would like to add another point of view on the issue. Maybe it isn’t elitism which causes the community to exclude all those different people. Maybe it is the illusion that these people are different together with the fear caused by seeing the similarity between us and those who seem so different. My son was lately diagnosed as a person who has elements of PDD. On one hand it made sense. On the other hand he reminds me of myself when I was little with the same challenges and difficulties. I deal with my own disability but PDD or autism is definitely not it. So then I asked myself: is there a real dichotomy between people diagnosed on the spectrum of autism and all the rest? Is there really a clear line between people with disabilities and others, between homosexuals and heterosexuals? Are we all so different from one another or do we all have a variety of disabilities and challenges? I want to add two more tradishinal jewish sayings: “Veahavta lereacha Camocha: love Thy neighbor as you love thyself” be considerate towards him as you would like others to consider your needs. We all need access. We all want to be included. Love him also because he is in many ways like you. We are not so different as we would like to think. Another related Jewish saying: “Chaveev Adam Sheneavra Betzelem “Beloved is the Person Who is Created in the Image [of God].” .We are all people who were created in the image of god. We all have abilities, disabilities, challenges, dreams, aspirations. Access and inclusion allow us all to participate and fulfill our abilities and dreams. those Jewish sayings bring together the chessed in consideration and the justice in equality. Finally I want to agree with Jay Ruderman: Diversity makes us better people. I would like to think that my child’s needs and challenges made me a more flexible tolerant mother and person.