Kisharon Langdon is proud to launch “You Are Welcome Here”, a new accessibility initiative designed to help create more inclusive synagogue experiences during the High Holy Days.

Ahead of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Kisharon Langdon is piloting the Accessibility Support Box in a select number of synagogues, providing practical resources to help individuals with learning disabilities, autistic people and those with communication differences and/or sensory needs to participate more comfortably in services. Feedback from participating synagogues and families will help shape the future development and expansion of this initiative, which reflects a simple but powerful message: every member of our community belongs in synagogue and deserves to feel welcome.

For many families, attending High Holy Day services can be both meaningful and challenging. Unfamiliar environments, long services, sensory overload and uncertainty about what to expect can sometimes create barriers to participation. The Accessibility Support Box has been designed to reduce those barriers and support greater inclusion.

Each box contains four accessible resources alongside a sensory support tool:

A Visual Guide to the Service

A simple, easy-to-understand visual guide showing what participants might expect during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. Using clear visuals and minimal text, the guide helps individuals prepare for their visit and understand the structure of the service.

The guide highlights what people may experience at different stages of the service and offers practical suggestions to help manage sensory or emotional needs. For example, before the sounding of the shofar, it explains that the experience may include loud noises and periods of expectant silence, reminding individuals to have ear defenders ready or take a break if needed. During quieter moments, such as the Silent Amidah, it suggests this may be a good opportunity for a movement break.

Communication Cards

A set of simple communication cards featuring easyread images and short phrases that enable people to express what they need during a service, particularly if verbal communication becomes difficult when they feel overwhelmed.

Preparing at Home Resources

Recognising that every family prepares differently, all of the resources within the Accessibility Support Box are also available to download. This enables families to familiarise themselves with the materials in advance, print them at home and tailor them to their individual needs before attending synagogue.

Guidance for Synagogues and Families

An overview explaining the purpose of the Accessibility Support Box, who it is designed for and practical guidance on how it can be used effectively to support participation and inclusion.

Sensory Fidget Spinner

A sensory fidget spinner designed to provide a calming focus and support self-regulation during services. The spinner was selected through consultation with people supported by Kisharon Langdon, who trialled a range of sensory items and shared their preferences. This co-produced approach ensures that the resources are informed by the experiences and needs of the people who will use them.

Daniel, supported by Kisharon Langdon, said:

“It is like a survival kit for synagogue services. If someone needs to use it, they have everything to gain and nothing to lose!”

Judith Flacks-Leigh, Director of Marketing & Communications at Kisharon Langdon, said:

“At Kisharon Langdon, we’re committed to making Jewish life more accessible for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Whether through our Accessible Haggadah, Accessible Shabbat Prayer Book or these new Accessibility Support Boxes, our goal is to create practical resources that enable people to participate fully in communal life.”

Rachel Ucko, Head of Jewish Life at Kisharon Langdon, said:

“The High Holy Days are some of the most important moments in the Jewish calendar, and everyone should have the opportunity to take part in a way that feels comfortable, meaningful and welcoming. The message behind this initiative is that everyone should feel that they belong in synagogue and that they are truly welcome here.”

The initiative forms part of Kisharon Langdon’s wider commitment to making information, services and community life more accessible for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

Building on the success of the Accessible Haggadah and Accessible Shabbat Prayer Book, Kisharon Langdon continues to develop practical, easy-to-use resources that enable more people to participate confidently and meaningfully in Jewish life. From accessible prayer materials to visual supports and communication tools, the charity is working to ensure that community spaces and experiences are welcoming to everyone.

The “You Are Welcome Here” Accessibility Support Boxes are the latest step in this journey, helping synagogues create more inclusive High Holy Day experiences through visual supports, communication aids, sensory resources and practical guidance.

Above all, the boxes send a clear message to every member of the community: you belong here, you are valued here, and you are welcome here.

If you believe your synagogue would benefit from an Accessibility Support Box in the future, please contact jewishlife@kisharonlangdon.org.uk.