Access

A golden retriever service dog (and very good girl!) stands on the sidewalk outside Hinenu and holds a copy of the 5784 High Holy Day program in her mouth.

Hinenu works to build an accessible and inclusive community. Our commitment to disability justice means making every effort to meet the physical, sensory, and other accessibility needs of our community members and guests. We recognize that many disabled people, youth, and elders, along with many other marginalized people, experience poverty, and our dedication to financial accessibility ensures that there are no monetary barriers to participation in our community. Click here to read about our COVID-19 safety precautions.

With questions about access in general or ahead of a specific event, please contact us!

Explore the following sections to learn more about access at Hinenu by clicking the + to expand each section. To read the below details in a Google doc instead of in the accordion format, click here.

Our website was audited by Mariyama Scott in the winter of 2024 (any mistakes or errors are ours, not hers!) Please be in touch if there are ways we can make this website more accessible to you!

  • Homewood Friends
    The ramp into the building is located at the front entrance, and has one turn in it. There are non-automatic doors throughout the building, however. There is a recently replaced elevator in good working condition that has access to every floor in the building. There is a single stall ADA sized bathroom on the ground floor, but the door entry is not automatic.

    The side porch where we often gather for potlucks is accessible without stairs via the main building. The second floor and basement are accessible by elevator.

    For security on Friday nights for Kabbalat Shabbat services the front door is locked. For accessible entry please text the number on the door when you arrive, or email us ahead of time if you don’t use technology on Shabbat.

    There is free and paid street parking in the neighborhood, and Homewood is off of multiple local bus routes. The side porch has steps to enter. We have a small portable ramp that can connect to the side porch if needed.

    There is not a disability placard reserved parking space in front of Homewood, but there is drop off space by the curb cut by the front door. There is also a curb cut at the ends of the sidewalk, by the cross streets, 31st and 32nd St.

    Other venues where we sometimes have programming:

    Peabody Heights Brewery:
    Hinenu programming usually takes place on the outdoor back patio. The patio has a large event tent with flaps that the venue keeps closed in the winter and open in the summer, outdoor heaters, and space to gather outside the tent including a stage. The Peabody parking lot on 30th St leads from the sidewalk to the outdoor patio without stairs, however there is a mildly steep slope in the parking lot so a wheelchair user may need assistance. The patio is level.

    There are steps to enter the front door. There are no steps to enter the bar interior from the outdoor patio.

    The indoors bathrooms are non-ADA (one step down to enter)

    2640 Space on St Paul Street
    Front door accessible by wheelchair ramp from the sidewalk.

    Wyman Park Dell
    Located at 29th Street and N. Charles, with lots of open green space–and a ping pong table and playground. The grassy outdoor area is accessible via sidewalk curb cut. There is no bathroom at the Dell, but there are businesses on St. Paul Street for use.

    Abell Open Space
    At 32nd Street between Guilford Street and Abell Ave. It is a grassy lawn with a playground to the side. There is no bathroom access, but there are businesses on St. Paul Street with bathrooms for use.

    Church of the Guardian Angel
    Accessible via wheelchair ramp from the sidewalk. We have previously built our Sukkah on their front porch/patio. (We are purchasing a new sukkah in 2024/5785, with physical and sensory accessibility in mind!)

  • All Hinenu services are hybrid and can be accessed online via Zoom. Most Hinenu classes are hybrid or Zoom only.

    Hinenu’s morning minyan, founded in 2020, gathers entirely online with members in Baltimore and all over the country.

  • While Homewood is used by many different groups, there are always quiet dark rooms to spend solo time in. On High Holy Days and other large events we designate a sensory break room for this purpose. We welcome all stimming (no matter how loud!) in services, and encourage you to come and go in the space as feels right for you.

    Services tend to be loud with music, exclaiming, and the noise of children.

  • Our website is designed with screen readers in mind. Written class materials are available in advance. We do not currently have a braille siddur available.

    In person, greeters and ushers are available to help community find seats and navigate our building.

  • If you are taking a multi-week class at Hinenu, you can tell us when you sign up that you would like materials in advance so you have time before class to read.

  • All Shabbat services are livestreamed, and either autocaptions or live captions provided by Maryland Relay are available for all programs. We use amplified sound in the sanctuary on Shabbat mornings and High Holy Days.

    ASL can be provided upon request, please email us with as much time ahead of the program as possible; we will do our best to honor requests made with less than a week before the program but cannot ensure it.