Abstract
Bar Mitzvah ceremonies are a rite of passage celebrated by Jewish youngsters throughout the world. Young people with developmental disabilities have often been excluded from participating in this life cycle event which marks acceptance as part of the adult community.
In Israel, a programme has been established that empowers these youngsters and allows them to be active participants in this life cycle event. Thus, the program enables the voices of these young Jews, both male and female to be heard at a transition point in their lives. Approximately two hundred children per year participate in this programme.
The presentation will describe how special education methods are utilised to provide the support necessary to prepare the youngsters for the ceremony. Alternative and augmentative communication methods such as sign language, voice output machines, and communication charts are used to recite the traditional blessings as needed.
Initial results of research studying the significance of the Bar Mitzvah ceremony for the children and their families will be presented. A short film will be screened as well.
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