The History of Sulam

The word Sulam, meaning ‘ladder,’ stems from the biblical story of Jacob’s ladder. It connotes the step-by-step progress that students achieve when given the opportunity and support to reach their goals.

Started by a group of mothers who were determined to provide an inclusive Jewish education for children with a range of disabilities, Sulam opened its doors in 1998 at the Torah School of Greater Washington. Starting with three children, their innovative project gained traction, attracting many families who desperately wanted their children to be part of the community school attended by siblings, friends, and peers. Sulam ultimately consolidated its program at Berman Hebrew Academy where it serves students in K–12th grade.

The founders saw firsthand how their children delighted in their integration with children who did not have special needs and, equally important, how children without special needs enjoyed being with their children. With determined mothers as inspiration, Sulam was built on the evidence-based research that inclusion education is the gold standard of special education, unlocking unlimited opportunities for all students.

Sulam’s direct educational service program is now in its 25th year, and has expanded to serve two large independent Jewish day schools—Melvin J Berman Hebrew Academy, and Charles E Smith Jewish Day School.

The Executive Director of Sulam, Lianne Heller, has led the organization since 2015. As a result of its continued success, Sulam has focused on training an increasing number of educators throughout the community. Sulam became a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington in 2018.