About Us
The Alliance for Disabled in Action, Inc. (doing business as) the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) recognizes disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity and supports the philosophy of independent living for all individuals with disabilities.
Founded in 1986, ACI is the designated Center for Independent Living for Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties in New Jersey. This region is the most populated in the state with over 1 million individuals identified as disabled. ACI's primary goal is to promote and protect the rights of individuals for independence and inclusion in their community.
Independent Living is a goal and a way of life for many people with disabilities.
Our core services include: Independent Living, Systems and Individual Advocacy, Information and Referral, Peer Support, and Transition. ACI currently serves 6,000 individuals with disabilities and their families, when appropriate.
In addition to the services mentioned above, ACI provides health and wellness support; technology acquisition and adaptation; disability awareness trainings for providers, medical students, businesses and others; emergency preparedness; vocational supports and job readiness training; transportation assistance; social recreation and supports and trainings for young adults with disabilities.
Our Mission Statement
The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) recognizes disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. ACI is a 501(c)(3) community-based, grassroots organization that supports and promotes independent living for people with disabilities in Middlesex, Union and Somerset counties in New Jersey.
ACI provides information and referral services and develops and implements educational programs and innovative activities that promote activism, peer support, health and wellness, employment and independent living skills for people with disabilities and their allies. ACI supports the philosophy of independent living for all persons with disabilities.
Disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.
What is a Center for Independent Living?
The definition of a Center for Independent Living (CIL) from Section 702 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended:
CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
The term 'center for independent living' means a consumer‑controlled, community‑based, cross‑disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services.
A Center for Independent Living
51% of staff are persons with disabilities; 51% of Board of Trustees are persons with disabilities.
Reprinted from the ILRU website: www.ilru.org