I have been involved in the field of disabilities inclusion since 1984 when I was "reassigned" from the kitchen of Camp Ramah in New England to the Tikvah Program. I was asked to fill a last minute opening in this overnight camping program serving young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One summer quickly turned into six summers. I pursued masters degrees in social work and special education, and returned to Ramah New England's Tikvah Program as director for another 15! I continue to work with our Ramah camps as director of our National Ramah Tikvah Network. I direct our Northern California program and travel to all of our Ramah Programs to observe, consult and share best practices--on inclusive camping, vocational training and more. It is a pleasure to continue to teach and learn from colleagues in the field.
This May, I had the pleasure of attending and presenting at the Access Israel Conference in Israel. What an honor to meet and work with Yuvai Wagner and the Access Israel team. What an honor to meet fellow travelers with and without disabilities fro 22 countries! I have enjoyed writing about and sharing the good work of Access Israel: https://imageusa.com/israel-the-accessible-start-up-nation/
https://www.respectability.org/2019/06/respectability-smile-access-israel-shabbat-smile-by-howard-blas/ https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israel-launches-7th-annual-disability-inclusion-conference-591997
I am joining the FAISR Kilimanjaro Trek to lift and be lifted, to inspire and be inspired. I plan to share our group's experience with a wide range of publications!