RFF President Jay Ruderman, far left, posted this image on Twitter in October and after exciting a meeting in which he talked with partners about expanding disability inclusion. The Jewish foundation on Monday launched its fourth annual Ruderman Prize in Inclusion global competition. Photo: Twitter.

JNS.org – The Ruderman Family Foundation—an organization headquartered in both Boston and Israel that promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in the Jewish community—on Monday launched its fourth annual Ruderman Prize in Inclusion global competition, which equally splits a $250,000 prize among five organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to Jewish disability inclusion “through innovative programs and services.”

“Innovative organizations in the global Jewish community are leading the way in promoting the full inclusion of people with disabilities in our society,” said Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “We believe that by recognizing the most creative and impactful of these organizations through the Ruderman Prize in Inclusion, that our Jewish community will be inspired by their example and seek to become a more inclusive community for all.”

Past recipients of the prize have included organizations in Russia, the UK, US, Mexico, Israel, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and Argentina. The foundation is accepting submissions for the prize until April 20. Application information is available at rudermanfoundation.org.

The foundation, in partnership with the Jewish Week Media Group, also recently announced a competition highlighting North American for-profit businesses who have shown “exemplary practices in hiring, training, and supporting people with disabilities.” Winners will be recognized in a supplement in the June 19 edition of The Jewish Week, both in print and online, and will receive a Ruderman “Best in Business Award.” Nominations are being accepted until March 27.