By Tanya Buresh-Werby, Assistant Director of Friendship Circle of Virginia

On February 8, in honor of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAAIM), Friendship Circle of Virginia and the Weinstein JCC came together to host an inclusive Silent Disco that brought our community together for an unforgettable afternoon.

The event was planned with one clear goal: to create a space where individuals with disabilities, their families, volunteers, and community members could feel comfortable, included, and celebrated. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere felt welcoming and thoughtfully planned, allowing everyone to participate in ways that felt natural.

The JCC provided a spacious and inviting setting that allowed the vision to come to life. The layout made it easy for participants to move between activities, connect with friends, and engage at their own pace.

One of the added benefits of partnering with the JCC is the natural visibility it provides. Community members utilizing the JCC facilities throughout the day passed by and were able to witness the magic in action. At least 15 individuals stopped in to see what was happening. Many had heard of Friendship Circle but had never experienced it firsthand. They were left blown away by the joy, inclusiveness, and intentionality they observed.

Throughout the afternoon, guests enjoyed three music selections through wireless headphones: kids’ favorites, teen hits, and Jewish/Israeli music, giving everyone the freedom to choose their own soundtrack and volume. Various glow-themed activity stations offered hands-on fun for those who needed a break or preferred a quieter activity. The stations included jewelry making, creative drawing, sensory rice exploration, glow tattoos, and colorful tape art. Each element was designed with accessibility and engagement in mind.

Friend listening to music

 

The impact of the afternoon was perhaps best captured by one new Friendship Circle mom, who shared afterward:

“As always, you guys just get it 💜 This event was so cool and so in-tune with everyone’s diverse needs and ways of having fun! I wasn’t sure how he would respond, but my son understood the assignment the moment he walked in the door and truly had a blast. Thank you!”

The Silent Disco was more than just a fun afternoon. It was inclusion in action. A reflection of what JDAAIM stands for and what is possible when a community is intentional about creating space for every individual to shine.

Visit FCVA.org to learn more about how Friendship Circle facilitates friendships and social opportunities for people with and without disabilities through free programs that enrich lives and build an inclusive community, one friendship at a time.

Friends enjoying the sensory glow rice

 

Dalia showing off her glow tattoos

Moms making some fun glow jewelry