Diversity & Equity Newsletter

May 2022

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JEHM History

On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush announced that May would be recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month (JEHM). South Florida Jewish community leaders and the Jewish Museum of Florida had paired together to urge the federal government to recognize the over 350 years of Jewish contributions to American culture.


The month of May was chosen based on a previously successful 350th Anniversary of American Jewish History, celebrated 2 years prior in May 2004.

Learn Your Own Way, Locally!

Visit the Weitzman National Museum of Jewish History, Virtually or In-Person
  • https://theweitzman.org/
  • Located in Philadelphia
  • Re-Opens Post-Covid on May 13, 2022
  • Currently FREE admission for all ages!
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Awareness Months

May is a very busy month for health-related awareness. These observances include:



Please take some time to learn about some of these health conditions or concerns and how we can all help out!

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Ehlers Danlos Awareness Month

Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a collection of rare genetic disorders that affect connective tissue in the body. There are 13 different types, 12 of which are considered to be rare (affecting less than 1 in 2000 people). Common symptoms of EDS include joint hypermobility, joint pain, stretchy skin, easy bruising, and fatigue.


Recently, researchers have discovered a link between Autism and EDS. People (and families) with one are more likely to have the other.


Fun Fact: The awareness color for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is zebra print! There is a saying in the medical field that started with Dr. Theodore Woodard that goes "When you hear hoofbeats behind you, don't expect to see a zebra." This leads doctors to look for the most common answer first, before going to a more rare answer. People with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome are medical zebras!

a purple and yellow headline that reads "What's Happening in the ASUA Community"

Interviews and Articles

We're being interviewed! Kay and I (Ev) are being featured in an upcoming issue of NBOA Net Assets magazine. We are talking about diversity from a business office standpoint, and how to keep disability and neurodiversity in mind while talking about diversity.


I am also being interviewed for the same magazine about the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) from the standpoint of an LGBTQ+ person in the business office.

a purple and yellow headline that reads "Upcoming Events"
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ASUA's Diversity & Equity Committee Presents: Cultural Week

Monday, May 16th, 9am to Friday, May 20th, 3pm

520 Meetinghouse Road

Jenkintown, PA

Get Directions
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Eagles Autism Challenge

Saturday, May 21st, 7:30am

One Lincoln Financial Field Way

Philadelphia, PA

Join Team A Step Up Academy for the Eagles Autism Challenge!


There is a Bike Race, a 5k, and a Sensory Walk to choose from.


Register using this link to join our team:


https://haku.ly/c9118021
Get Directions
ON THE SPECTRUM SERIES - PANEL INTEREST SURVEYS

The Diversity and Equity Committee will be hosting panel-style workshops featuring adults on the autism spectrum. Please fill out this form so we can see what topics and questions you might like to have covered during these sessions.

Diversity Terminology & Language Glossary

Check out the Diversity Terminology & Language Glossary for current terms and language used to talk about diversity topics. This document will be frequently updated to keep on top of the ever-changing conversations about language usage.

Diversity Suggestion Box

Do you have a topic or issue for the Diversity & Equity Committee to discuss? Have you found a resource, tool, etc you think would be beneficial to our goals? Do you have any questions or suggestions? This form is anonymous.

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About Us

About Us

About Us

520 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, PA, USA Ev@AStepUpAcademy.org (215) 885-1075 AStepUpAcademy.org