Access Israel recently hosted a unique Feast of the Senses Dinner for a solidarity delegation from the Jewish Federation of Chicago. The event is a distinctive platform where participants are exposed to the world of accessibility through a culinary experience of eating with a disability, guided by people with these disabilities.
At the event, attendees initially entered the venue blindfolded to understand orientation from the perspective of those with visual disabilities. This was followed by a three-course meal designed to simulate different sensory losses: the first course involved eating blindfolded to mimic visual disabilities; the main course required eating with motor disabilities facilitated by special gloves; and the dessert was ordered while experiencing a simulated hearing disability.
This meal, however, carried a deeper significance during these times. Such an event cannot be conducted without addressing the current events, particularly the conditions of people with disabilities during wartime. The focus was therefore shifted to personal stories of resilience and challenge since October 7th.
Participants heard from Ada, a woman in a wheelchair, who described the significance of being stuck in a safe room for 36 hours in Sderot after the city had been evacuated, highlighting the lack of accessible transportation and places to evacuate to. Mor from Kfar Aza shared the harrowing experience of being a blind woman with her children in a safe room, discovering the extent of the tragedy that struck her community and the fear of being unable to defend herself and her family.
Lastly, they met Hila Almog, who discussed what it means to be deaf during wartime, unable to hear sirens and alerts promptly.
Throughout the meal, participants were introduced to assistive technologies that offer solutions for people with disabilities in emergencies, such as Be My Eyes, Sign Now, and the Purple Vest app, developed by volunteers from Code for Israel to aid people with disabilities through volunteer support during crises.
This event served as a profound reminder of the resilience and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, especially in times of crisis. It reinforces our duty as a society to ensure that even in times of emergency, no one is left behind.
