My apologies to any reader that I may inadvertently offend by use of the term "handicap". I am uncertain of another good term to convey my message...
Parsha Kedoshim, which addresses not to insult the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, motivated me to inquire regarding synagogues that are friendly to handicapped people. Has someone published a list of U.S. / Canadian synagogues that cater to various handicaps? I am looking for this in terms of mainly weekly Shabbat and holiday services, not for social events.
Some examples:
- Synagogues that have a "loop" system that assists people wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants
- ASL (American Sign Language) interpreters for all or part of the services
- Handicapped ramps to the shul bimah (2 places I know of are Boca Raton Syngogue, FL and Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, NY. Any others?)
- Wheelchair accessible synagogues, possibly with Shabbat elevators so that all parts of the synagogue are accessible
- Services for mentally-disabled congregants such as autism, slow learners, ADHD, etc.
- Siddurim written with Braille
These are some of the handicaps that I can think of, offhand. The guide / list, of course can include others.