Blind Lawyer Speaks at Dinner

By COLlive reporter

While most people were home recovering from a long day of Lag BaOmer celebrations, 300 people joined together for South Florida Jewish Academy’s annual dinner on April 28.

The “Evening of Tribute” was in recognition of the students that have overcome personal challenges by attaining remarkable achievements.

Honorary chairman Mendy Schurder opened the event by introducing two specially gifted student of the school who composed, wrote and played a moving duet on a grand piano.

Following that, guests heard from the students themselves. Their common theme was that each of them came from a school or situation that caused them to give up hope. At the school, they were now able to reach beyond their goals.

South Florida Jewish Academy is one of the areas leading private K -12 inclusive schools for special needs. The students are embraced with an individually based curriculum that caters to each of their abilities and ensures educational success and personal growth.

“In choosing this year’s Keynote speaker, we found a man that exemplifies the philosophy of our school,” said Baila Gansburg, director of the school.

“Our program enables all children with the individualized learning, therapy and opportunities to achieve their personal dreams and goals. South Florida Jewish Academy promotes opportunities that provide children a quality education through innovative small group instruction, and a small student teacher ratio to ensure student success.”

As the evening progressed, one thing was certain; SFJA gives the children hope, courage and the inner strength to succeed. In return the students each find a way to build on their abilities and become great.

As the guest speaker was led to stage, in one hand a walking stick the other hand a guide, no one in the crowd was ready for what was to come.

What attorney and disabled rights activist Richard Bernstein offered was a jaw dropping story full of challenge, a life story that many would just have given up hope but like the students of SFJA.

The well-known metro Detroit attorney is blind from birth, and has much of his legal work has focused on protecting the rights of people with disabilities, which is done pro bono.

His story, one of life, energy, pursuit, courage and overcoming a personal challenge by attaining remarkable achievements, was a most appropriate address to the students and their parents.

As the evening was nearing an end it was abundantly clear what this humble school which is centrally located in Coconut Creek, Florida, on acres of rolling grass with a large outdoor play area, a multi-sensory room designed with cutting edge technology has achieved; they have paved the way for each of their students to overcome their challenges and be a benefit to their family and communities.

As they continue to grow SFJA is unveiling a brand new high school curriculum which will undoubtedly help their students graduate as well as give them the life skills necessary to succeed independently while working well with others. As we are fond to say, inclusion is not part time at SFJA it is all the time!

In addition, we have multiple naming opportunities and are in contract to expand the school grounds and facilities. Plus, we are reaching out to the community to find a beneficiary who would like to dedicate the school campus. For additional information please visit our website at www.floridajewishacademy.org or you can contact the school office via phone at 954-427-7788 or email at [email protected]
an attorney who has won many landmark settlements for the disabled and special needs communities and one who has been providing a voice for those who would
otherwise be forced into silence,