Inclusion Advocate to Speak at CSI, Nyack

Congregation Sons of Israel is proud to announce that it will implement an inclusion model in its Hebew School classes for the coming year 2015-2016. According to Rabbi Ariel Russo, CSI’s Spiritual Leader, CSI began a Special Needs class last school year and it was a success. “Towards our goal of continuing to pave the road to true access in our community, this new inclusion class will allow for all equal access to education; in our case, Hebrew education and religious instruction,” Rabbi Russo explained. “Working with special education teachers, general education teachers, teen advocates, and committed parents, we are aiming to provide resources that will enable all children in our community to learn and grow with their peers.”

To educate the community about the inclusion model, Congregation Sons of Israel will host Pamela Schuller, an internationally known inclusion advocate, whose recent Eli Talk segment has received over 15,000 views. Ms. Schuller uses improvisation, comedy and her personal and professional narratives to educate Jewish communities about the power of inclusion.

Wednesday, October 21, 7 pm. Inclusion Program at CSI. Pamela Schuller, internationally known inclusion advocate, will be working with CSI’s Hebrew School children from 5:15-6:15 pm and will give her keynote address to the community at 7 pm. The keynote address is open to the public. Suggested donation - $5. RSVPs are requested. Congregation Sons of Israel, 300 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack, NY 10960. For more information contact us at 845-358-3767 or csioffice@optonline.net

Pamela Schuller is an internationally known inclusion advocate. Her extraordinary personal story of growing up with the most severe known case of Tourette Syndrome in the country, and turning that challenge into professional and personal success, is engaging, funny, a bit heart-wrenching, and deeply meaningful. Pamela holds a BA in Psychology and Youth Outreach Through the Arts from Knox College, and an MA in Child Advocacy and Policy from Montclair State University, where she focused her studies on creating improvisational theater programs as a tool for youth with disabilities to improve self-advocacy skills.
Pamela is also a stand-up comedian, probably because she sees the world from a different point of view: one where eye-level is four-foot-seven and barking without provocation is a completely normal and entertaining part of her day. She embraces what makes herself unique while challenging communities to view inclusion differently.

Media Contact:
Rabbi Ariel Russo 845 – 358 – 3767
Congregation Sons of Israel
300 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack, NY