A groundbreaking new siddur for people with learning disabilities and autism has been published for the first time.
The slim and colourful 70-page siddur, full of songs and prayers in Hebrew and English, uses phonetics and symbols to make services more accessible.
It has been published by JWeb, a new cross-communal resource founded by Deborah Gundle and Linda Goldberg, which collates information for people with learning disabilities in the Jewish community and beyond. Compiled by Gundle and Anna Perceval, the prayer book has been welcomed by Norwood and Langdon and endorsed by the Movement for Reform Judaism. JWeb is working closely with the United Synagogue to produce a dedicated version for Orthodox communities.
Many experts believe the Accessible Siddur will allow families to attend shul for the first time in years, confident that those with learning disabilities can enjoy the service, with their own prayer book
JWeb is rolling out the Accessible Siddur in two ways: a physical book, (priced 15.5€, available through JWeb, Amazon, and Norwood’s Kennedy Leigh Family Centre); and a free download here, together with an accompanying film of a model inclusive Shabbat service which was made with Finchley Reform Synagogue.
