Increasing Accessability for Mikveh Use in Our Communities

Disabilities come in many forms, from physical disabilities that impair movement, to hearing and visual challenges, as well as intellectual disabilities and mental health struggles. Each mikvah team can think about appropriate ways to make the mikvah experience more accessible for everybody. With regard to women with mental health conditions, the tailoring is more about creating an accepting, non-judgmental environment and less about physical components. It is important for the mikveh attendant to be open to the tovelet’s experience and be attentive to what may trigger her. The Eden Center, located in Jerusalem, holds trainings for mikvah attendants to help them be more attuned to issues of mental health and disability, including recognizing abuse and making referrals; how to be sensitive to women with fear of water; and assisting women with breast health journeys (for example, women who have had breast surgeries or mastectomies). 

Simple Considerations for Every Mikvah

While not every mikvah can be fully accessible, there are many simple shifts every mikvah can incorporate to ensure that a woman with disabilities has a respectful and easy as possible mikvah experience. Several examples include, ensuring there is a well-lit path from the parking lot to the entrance of the mikvah and that the path is completely unobstructed, and ensuring that the building has a wide door in order for people using a wheelchair to enter easily. Sometimes there are towels on a mikvah floor as an anti-slip measure; however, this can create an obstacle for a woman with challenges in mobility.

Using signs in large print and clear design, placed at an  appropriate level for someone in a wheelchair is helpful and practical for anyone who wears glasses. Using a hand signal for the mikvah attendant to communicate to a hearing impaired person makes for ease of indicating that the tevilah is kosher. When a woman arrives at the mikvah with a disability - ask her what she wants and needs as opposed to making assumptions. For example, if she uses a wheelchair, don’t assume she wants to be wheeled around; if she comes in with an aid, speak to her directly, not to the aid.

An Ongoing Conversation

There is a need to listen to the disabled population continuously, in many areas- not only with regard to mikvah. Historically, their needs have not always been taken into account on a global level, which can feel very alienating.  If there is one disabled person in a city wherein hundred of women use the mikvah, the question comes up of  “how does the community balance the needs of everyone else with the needs of the disabled person?” A good starting point is thinking about the nuances of the mikvah experience from start to finish that can be easily overlooked by someone without special needs and how to improve the experience. Often, these slight shifts enhance the mitzvah of mikvah for everyone, and heightening sensitivity to one population often lends itself to being open to noticing the needs of others as well. Different women come with different needs, all worthy of being met with dignity. 

Although there has been a lot of progress in accessible mikvahs, communities still have a long way to go in making the mikvah experience more accessible for everyone. If a community is building a new mikvah or renovating, including accessibility features should be a priority. Even if there may not be a disabled woman in the immediate neighborhood, a woman from an area relatively close by would likely be willing to travel further in order to have a better experience. Additionally, bring in a disability consultant on the building team, who deeply understands the needs of the population and can advise for optimal placement of various details like sinks and mirrors. Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet, executive director of the Eden Center, encourages communities to “assess what they can do collectively to be more inclusive of the disabled population in big ways and small” and take to heart that,  “every woman deserves a mikvah experience that is appropriate and supportive for her. Ultimately, creating a respectful mikvah experience for all is about kavod habriot- respect for Hashem’s creations- and seeing the image of G-d in every woman engaging in this mitzvah.”

Visit this website to find a list of accessible mikvaot throughout Israel, how to request a mikveh be made accessible, and more. You can find more resources from The Eden Center on accessibility on our website.

Shula Mathless is a writer and podcast host. She also holds a Master's in social work and loves connecting people.