Making Your Seder Accessible for People with Disabilities

Passover is one of the most participatory holidays in the Jewish calendar. The sederSederסֵדֶר"Order;" ritual dinner that includes the retelling of the story of the Israelite's Exodus from Egypt; plural: s'darim. is designed to be interactive, sensory, and collective. We wash our hands, ask questions, sing, eat symbolic foods, and read from the Haggadah together. But without intentional planning, people with disabilities can be unintentionally excluded from full participation.

With thoughtful preparation, every seder can become a space where all people are able to contribute meaningfully. Accessibility is not an add-on; it is a reflection of our Jewish values.

1. Ask Ahead

Perhaps the most powerful accessibility tool is simply asking guests how you can make the seder meaningful for them. When we invite feedback and plan proactively, we communicate that every person's presence matters.

Before your seder:

• Ask about access needs such as large print Haggadot, ASL interpretation, dietary restrictions, mobility considerations, or sensory supports.
• Share information about timing and length so guests can prepare.
• Provide digital versions of the Haggadah.
• Label foods clearly for guests with allergies.
• Consider creating an experience that works for the widest range of participants from the outset, including children and older adults.

The seder is not just about reading. It is about storytelling, questioning, remembering, and imagining freedom. Invite guests to share reflections, sing, create art, discuss modern experiences of liberation, or simply listen.

2. Make the Space Physically Accessible

Physical access communicates belonging before a single word is spoken. Accessibility means ensuring that people who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or other mobility aids can comfortably navigate the space. When guests can enter, sit, reach ritual items, and participate without barriers, they truly have a place at the table. Ensuring accessible seating may require place cards.

Stephanie Gertz, chair of her town's disability commission, shared:

A major part of the Passover Seder is gathering around the table, so it's important that everyone cangather! You don't need to redesign your home, just make sure there's an accessible entry and that your guest(s) can get to the table and the bathroom.

If your home is not accessible, consider hosting in a space that has:

• A step-free entrance or ramp
• Doorways wide enough for mobility devices
• Enough room between tables and chairs
• Pathways clear of clutter, loose rugs, or cords
• Tables at an appropriate height
• An accessible restroom nearby
• Accessible parking available and clearly marked

3. Provide Accessible Text

At the heart of the seder is the HaggadahHaggadahהַגָּדָהLiterally, “telling.” This is the Jewish text that sets forth the order of the Passover seder. Plural: Haggadot.  . Reading, chanting, and responding together creates a connection. Yet many Haggadot are printed in small type or visually dense layouts that are inaccessible to people who are blind/have low vision, dyslexia, or other print disabilities.

JBI Library (formerly the Jewish Braille Institute) offers free large-print, braille, and audio Haggadot to anyone who needs them. These formats allow people with visual impairments or reading disabilities to read independently and lead parts of the seder. Braille editions support tactile reading, large print reduces eye strain, and audio versions help those who learn best by listening or who want to prepare in advance.

Jack McPadden shared with Reform Judaism about how accessible Haggadot enhanced his participation in the seder: "the ability to read for myself the same text that all others were reading was an experience so special to me that few events could disrupt me from it."

Accessible text is not just about readability, it is about dignity. When everyone can access the words guiding the ritual, everyone can fully share in the storytelling.

4. Include Sign Language and Captioning

For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, spoken blessings and songs may be inaccessible without accommodation.

If possible, incorporate a YouTube video of an ASL interpretation of key parts of the seder, such as the Jewish Deaf Resource Center's (JDRC) ASL "Let My People Go" video. Having printed blessings available in advance can help participants follow along. When using videos or digital supplements, ensure they include accurate captions. Speak clearly, avoid covering your mouth while talking, and reduce background noise so speech is easier to follow.

Small communication adjustments can dramatically increase access. 

5 . Create a Sensory-Friendly Seder

The seder already engages all five senses: taste, smell, touch, sound, and vision. However, traditional seders can be overwhelming for some participants, particularly neurodivergent individuals, people with sensory sensitivities, those with developmental disabilities, and people who are blind or have low vision. Loud singing, overlapping conversations, strong smells, bright lighting, and long readings can create stress or fatigue.

You can make the evening more comfortable and engaging by combining sensory-friendly accommodations with multi-sensory experiences:

• Taste & Smell: Encourage participants to explore the flavors and aromas of parsley (karpaskarpasכַּרְפַּסA green herb or vegetable (parsley, celery, watercress) used as part of the Passover seder to symbolize spring and rebirth. ), matzahmatzahמַצָּהUnleavened bread eaten during the seder that symbolizes the hurried departure of the Israelites from Egypt. Eating matzah is obligatory only at the seder. During the rest of Pesach, one may abstain from matzah as long as all chametz is avoided; plural: matzot , marormarorמָרוֹר"Bitter;" the bitter herb or vegetable (i.e., horseradish) eaten during the seder to symbolize the bitter plight of the enslaved Israelites. , charosetcharosetחֲרֹסֶתA mixture of fruits, nuts, spices and wine eaten as part of the Passover seder. Its color and consistency reminds us of the bricks and mortar used by the Israelite slaves. , and wine or juice. Invite them to share what they notice and what these sensations evoke.
• Touch: Let guests feel the textures of ritual items to deepen understanding and engagement. Tactile experiences can be especially powerful for people who rely less on visual cues.
• Sound: Singing, repeating key refrains, clapping, or drumming rhythms can help participants follow along and stay connected. Minimizing distractions ensures everyone can hear and participate. It's also important to have a quiet space where people can retreat to if they need a short break for a moment.
• Movement: Acting out moments from the Exodus story can reinforce meaning and provide physical engagement.

Disability advocate and URJ employee Crystal Hill shared:

Having ADHD often means it can be difficult for me to sit still and focus on the seder for over two hours. Some things that help me stay engaged are having space where I'm able to move around while still engaging; doing something with my hands that won't distract others, like drawing or playing with a small, quiet fidget toy; and following along with a detailed outline of the seder so I know what's coming next.

Participation can look different for each person. Listening quietly, changing positions, or engaging in a modified way can still provide a meaningful seder experience. 

Engagement may be spoken, silent, tactile, musical, or reflective. Each form enriches the collective experience.

Creating an accessible seder is about living the message of Passover itself: every person deserves dignity, freedom, and belonging. Accessibility deepens connection and honors the richness of our community. When every person truly has a seat at the table, that is freedom.

Chag Pesach Sameach - may your seder be joyful, inclusive, and filled with belonging.

Download "I am a Descendant of Those Who Wander: Reflecting on Our Stories of Migration," a supplement designed to affirm support for the immigrant and refugee communities while enhancing belonging at your seder.