February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month. As part of our Federation’s commitment to inclusion, every week this month we will feature a blog written by either a member of our community with a disability, his or her parent, or a volunteer or professional working with one of our partner organizations that serves individuals with special needs.
We recently interviewed Lior Eghbal, a teen volunteer at Friendship Circle LA. Friendship Circle LA is a Federation partner that provides Jewish children who have special needs with a full range of social, recreational, educational and Judaic experiences. Read why Lior is inspired to volunteer.
Interview with Lior Eghbal:
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Lior Eghbal. I am 17 years old and go to Milken Community High School. My favorite thing to do is to play with animals, so it’s no surprise to tell you that I’d like to be a veterinarian one day.
What do you want the community to know about you?
I love to do things for other people and I get joy from helping others.
What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion, to me, means acceptance and learning how to see things from other people’s perspectives. In order to understand someone, you must understand their differences, struggles, and strengths. Everybody has them. Inclusion does not just mean including, but it also means becoming a more open-minded person.
What has been one of your favorite moments or experiences you have had this year with Friendship Circle?
I met my buddy Eli 3 years ago and volunteer with him every year. He has become one of my best friends. Over the summer I watched Eli go on a roller coaster at Knott’s Berry Farm. He had SO much fun and it made me so happy. 3 years ago, he was so afraid of roller coasters. It’s amazing to see how much he has grown.
Who is your superhero in the community?
My father is my hero and the most accepting and smartest person I know. He has been through so much in his life. I go to him with any problem and he always has the best advice. I am so lucky that he’s my dad.
What do you like about the Jewish community?
I’ve been in Jewish day school my entire life. I’ve grown up with the same people. They are my family — Judaism is the reason for that. Even the people who recently came to my school are still family to me. A big part of Judaism is inclusion and acceptance, and it has taught me how to be friends with people.
