Independent Living Skills

ACI provides Independent Living Skills instruction such as budgeting, use of public transportation, meal preparation, computer skills, laundry, goal setting, and others skills that emphasize independence in a person’s home and community. These skills are taught on a one on one basis or in a group setting.

Information & Referral 

Through our Information & Referral Specialist, we provide information about disability-related issues, resources and services to people with disabilities, families, professionals and the public. The I&R Specialist assists individuals with in various topics, including: housing, transportation, employment, benefits and funding resources, accessibility, discrimination and legal rights, finding adaptive equipment, and assistive technology and community supports.

Our I&R Hotline is available in English (732-738-4388) and Spanish (732-738-1941).

Individual Advocacy

Individual advocacy involves advocating on behalf of a single individual. ACI believes that empowerment is knowledge of one’s rights, how those rights are protected and how to utilize the laws that provide those protections. Individual advocacy includes advocating for accommodations in the workplace, having your landlord widen a bathroom doorway, appealing a Social Security denial, and helping someone apply for SNAP. In addition, ACI teaches people with disabilities writing and public speaking skills in order for them to become effective advocates.
 

Systems Advocacy

Systems advocacy involves efforts to change laws, practices and attitudes on the federal, state and local levels. Success systems advocacy benefits a large number of people. ACI staff have worked to remove barriers, notified businesses of their responsibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Snow Removal Law, access to healthcare, increased voting among people with disabilities, and assisted emergency managers on the need to include people with disabilities in their emergency planning. ACI also educates political candidates on the issues facing people with disabilities and their families.
 

Peer Support

ACI offers monthly support groups and workshops giving participants the opportunity to share their experiences and challenges and provide support to others. Peer support groups are usually facilitated by a person with a disability.

TRANSITION

ACI helps facilitate the transition of individuals with significant disabilities from nursing homes and other institutions to home and community-based residences, with the requisite supports and services and assist individuals with significant disabilities who are at risk of entering institutions so that the individuals may remain in the community.

ACI also works with families of students with disabilities in order to secure appropriate education services under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act. ACI works with students ages 15 to 21 to prepare them for "Life after High School" by giving them the resources and skills necessary to succeed in a job, in college or as an independent member of the community.

Volunteer Office Skills Program

ACI volunteers contribute greatly to our mission and are an integral part of our agency. Volunteers learn valuable skills such as improving their social skills, responsibility, typing skills, event planning, public speaking, fundraising, and more. This program helps prepare participants to successfully enter the workforce.

Presentations and Workshops

ACI offers workshops on a variety of topics including the History of Disability, Stress Management, and the Legislative Process. Visit our Upcoming Events page to see what we have coming up!

Health and Wellness

ACI's health and wellness program offers workshops on the topics of nutrition and exercise, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, sun cancer screenings, adaptive yoga and belly dance classes, drum circles, waking group, stress management, healthy relationships, mental health first aid, and more.

Social Recreation

Our social recreation program gives participants an opportunity to make friends while participating in community activities. Past events included: Somerset Patriots baseball game, overnight camping trip, Harry Potter night, arts and crafts, meet and greet dance party, outdoor movie night, choir and theater groups.

DDD SERVICES

ACI provides services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities. These services are provided through DDD referral only. If you are interested, please contact your Support Coordinator.

The Learning Studio

ACI has designed the following courses with the goal of teaching employment readiness and independent living skills to individuals who receive services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities. The nature of these courses allow individuals to develop friendships and peer connections amongst each other while learning new skills. Courses can be modified to meet the individual’s needs and interests.

REV UP NEW JERSEY

REV UP NJ is partner organization of the AAPD national REV UP network. The REV UP Voting Campaign is a nonpartisan national voting initiative focused on advancing the power of the disability vote. Our mission is to foster civic engagement and protect the voting rights of Americans with disabilities. REV UP stands for “Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power!” ACI offers workshops on voting and the voting process.

ACI Community market

The ACI CommUnity Market is our reimagined food pantry, serving residents facing food insecurity in Middlesex County. The CommUnity Market concept will feature consumer choice and customer service while expanding our assistance to disabled individuals and their families. Staff of the market will also assist individuals in applying for SNAP and make referrals to social service organizations. The CommUnity Market will offer training to individuals with disabilities interested in working in the retail business.

Emergency Preparedness

Historically, individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs experience disasters more dramatically than the general population. ACI has a long and established history of providing programs and trainings in emergency preparedness for emergency managers, volunteers, and people with disabilities and their families since 2011. ACI connects individuals to local, county, and state resources. ACI also works with FEMA to bring federal assistance to those with disabilities.

CORE ADVISORY GROUP (CAG)

CAG works to make effective changes in how emergency services are provided to people with disabilities in the event of a disaster. Through CAG, ACI helps to promote emergency preparedness among people with disabilities while providing opportunities to give input with county and state emergency planners. CAG consists of people with disabilities, Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management, federal and state emergency managers and agencies.

OVERNIGHT SHELTER TRAININGS

ACI offers a three-hour training to emergency managers and those interested in organizing an accessible shelter. Topics include: disability etiquette, how a shelter simulation can be helpful in preparing for a disaster, and what you are required to do under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

ADVOCACY WORKSHOPS

ACI teaches advocacy skills for those seeking to become effective advocates. Through a 6-session workshop, participants learn about public speaking, disability civil right laws, the legislative process, voting rights, and finding your voice.

Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP)

The PASP is a personal care assistance program that provides routine, non-medical personal care assistance to adults with permanent physical disabilities 18 years of age or older and are employed, preparing for employment, attending school or involved in community volunteer work and who are able to self-direct their own services.

LIVING MY BEST LIFE

This comprehensive 6-week life skills course benefits those who desire to increase their independence by learning and doing a variety of everyday activities! At the completion of the course, families are invited to participate in a celebratory sit down dinner prepared and served by the participants. Participants present a PowerPoint slideshow on what they have learned throughout the course and receive a certificate of completion.

Access Link Assessments

NJ TRANSIT has set up a network of local agencies, known as "Assessment Agencies." ACI is one of those agencies dedicated to assist you in applying for Access Link eligibility. All transportation assessments are held in-person.

To arrange for a transportation assessment appointment, please contact NJ TRANSIT by dialing 1-800-955-2321 (TTY 1-800-955-6765) between the hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday. (Choose the "not a certified Access Link rider" option to speak with a Certification Assistant).
 

SEX EDucation FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL/ DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

A 6-week, workbook-based curriculum developed by people with disabilities. ACI delivers the training to high school students as well as others with I/DD.

Studies show that individuals who receive comprehensive information on sexuality go on to have healthier relationships, lower rates of teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual abuse. The program teaches individuals to make healthier, safer and informed decisions about sex and relationships.

ACI believes that sex education is an important part of our Independent Living program.

JAWS Training

JAWS is a screen reader program that speaks the text on the computer for people who are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Please contact Argenys Caba at 732-738-4388 ext. 113 or acaba@adacil.org for more information. 

By appointment only.