WAE Center News

This month is intended to remind us that ALL Jews, without regard to disability, must have access to Jewish life – to work live, love, play, learn and worship how and where they choose, and to contribute to this wonderful place we call our Greater MetroWest Jewish community.   JSDD and the WAE Center is engaged in bringing artwork, artists, and residents into a few congregations to spread the word about abilities and inclusion in Jewish life. While the notion of inclusion may sound abstract, it is in fact, a daily practice rooted in the practical.  We need only remember to look and notice the needs of those around us, which are different than ours, and act to provide equal access […]

How long have you been with JSDD? Eighteen Months Was this the position you started in? Started as a receptionist for the WAE Center What is your first memory of JSDD? My first memory is meeting the staff during orientation. It was cool to meet people I would get to work with, bond with and share experiences with. What has most surprised you about working with JSDD? The members. I am new to the field. It has been interesting to get to know the members, understanding them. I have gotten to know their personalities. Seeing how independent and creative the members can be is amazing. What are 3 words to describe JSDD? Creative, Innovative and Welcoming What do you find […]

Never ones to forgo a celebration the members of JSDD’s WAE Center gathered on November 16th to share a Thanksgiving feast. This annual ritual is always wonderful and important to the entire JSDD community. It is a time to come together and reflect on all that we are thankful for. WAE Center Director, Harry Klein, went around the room asking people what they felt moved to share – the common theme was being grateful for friends, family, and their opportunity to learn and be together at the WAE. Each member expressed their appreciation for a different staff member who is important in their daily life. This tradition started as a lunch in honor of the birthday of Scott Reich who […]

By: Randy Harris This is a compilation of poems and group stories from the Poetry class.  I’m extremely proud of our members for opening themselves to create such beautiful and imaginative work.  They have imagined worlds of coffee waterfalls and tap-dancing clouds.  Used the alphabet grid amid a myriad of words to spin their rhymes. What great fun and joyful times. This work is the result of a team of people –  volunteer and staff who have treated this process with dedication, passion, and joy.  Thank you, Pam, Onica, Julie, Rebeka, Erica and Olivia.  Poems My Swim I love swimming The butterfly is so thrilling When I do the backstroke, I’m swimming in clouds At the swim meet people are […]

The advisory committee of Heidi Gallery has been meeting since May of 2022. Their work has been focused on developing the first juried open exhibit held in this stunning new space.  Expanding upon the idea of displaying the artwork of artist members of JSDD’s WAE Center, the gallery’s goal is to cultivate a creative space for exhibits, education, collaboration, and performance to co-exist in a fully inclusive environment. The WAE Open welcomed over 200 people to the reception on October 20th. Committee Chair Teddi Dolph and Juror, Diedre Harris-Kelley welcomed and addressed the crowd.  Most all of the 33 artists who were accepted into the exhibition were present to share their work with the public. True to its stated mission […]