The Ruderman Family Foundation today announced the launch of the third annual Ruderman Prize in Inclusion global competition. The Prize recognizes organizations who have demonstrated their commitment to the full inclusion of people with disabilities into the Jewish community through innovative programs and services. The $250,000 prize will be split equally by five organizations.

“Our foundation is seeking to recognize and award excellence in the inclusion of people with disabilities in our Jewish community around the globe,” said Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “It is our hope that by shining a light on the leaders in inclusion in our community that we will encourage other organizations to follow their lead and effectuate lasting change. We believe that a more inclusive Jewish community is a fair and flourishing one for all.”

Over the last two years, fifteen organizations worldwide have been recipients of the prize, including organizations in Russia, the UK, the United States, Mexico, Israel, South Africa and Argentina. The winners include schools, a synagogue, a dance company, a bakery and organizations that serve all Jews, whether they have a disability or not.

Fully inclusive programs ensure that everyone can participate together, without stigma or imposed limitations. Each year, the Ruderman Prize in Inclusion honors the programs and organizations around the world whose work best exemplifies the full inclusion of people with disabilities, celebrating them as inspiration and models which could be replicated elsewhere. The Ruderman Prize in Inclusion is a signature program of the Ruderman Family Foundation, which believes that inclusion and understanding of all people is essential to a fair and flourishing community.

Guidelines and a link to the application form for the awards are available on the foundation’s website, rudermanfoundation.org. Submissions are due by Monday April 7, 2014 and the winners will be announced in June.