Are you a person with disabilities who has faced challenges while using NJ Transit bus services, including Access Link? ACI wants to hear from you!
We are collecting stories from individuals who have had their Access Link rides canceled abruptly, experienced significant delays, faced untrained drivers on fixed-route buses, untrained in tie-down procedures or encountered malfunctioning wheelchair lifts. Your voice matters, and sharing your experience can help bring about much-needed change!
ACI kicked off the holiday season with our annual dance party with our friends from Holiday Express! The party was held at the Reformed Church of Highland Park. Holiday Express provided the food, live music, and entertainment.
Thank you to the Holiday Express band, staff, and volunteers for making this night filled with festive fun! A shout-out to everyone helped fill our food donation boxes. Your donations will help the ACI CommUnity Market!
ACI is now a SNAP Navigator!
Need help paying for groceries? See what SNAP can do for you!
NJ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is New Jersey’s food assistance program to help you buy the groceries to eat and be healthy. Even a small amount can help - every dollar of SNAP you get means a dollar of your food budget you can use for something else you need.
Need help applying? Contact our office at 732-738-4388. Se habla español.
Congratulations to our own Carole and Luke!
Executive Director, Carole Tonks and Deputy Director, Luke Koppisch were recently honored at Project Freedom's Annual 2024 Angel Award Gala, which took place at The Stone Terrace in Hamilton NJ. The evening also celebrated Project's Freedom's 40th Anniversary of providing barrier free and affordable housing to individuals with disabilities throughout NJ.
Carole and Luke each received the Norman Smith Legacy Award for their decades of work advocating for and supporting people with disabilities, including organizing the annual NJ Disability Pride Parade, promoting inclusive emergency shelters, advocating for voting rights, as well as holding protests against Peter Singer and Medicaid cutbacks.
We also have to congratulate Norman Smith, the co-founder and Associate Executive Director of Freedom, for receiving the June Ronan Angel Award.
What a great evening!
ACI was honored to host a disability issues roundtable with Congressman Andy Kim. Congressman Kim represents the 3rd congressional district, which includes Burlington County and parts of Monmouth and Mercer counties. He is currently running for the U.S. Senate.
Ten advocates participated in the discussion and provided personal perspectives on various issues affecting the 1.7 million people with disabilities in New Jersey. Among these topics were transportation, employment, and disaster preparedness. Congressman Kim shared his concerns and expressed his eagerness for ongoing dialogue to discuss solutions to these issues.
A thank you also goes out to Made with Love: ACI Catering for the delicious breakfast!
MISSION, GOALS & ACTION STEPS FOR 2024-2027 NJ STATE PLAN FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
IDENTIFYING & OUTREACHING TO UNDERSERVED CONSUMER POPULATIONS
NJSILC MISSION STATEMENT
To advocate and coordinate cost-effective, consumer-driven services that provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to choose their lifestyle, to contribute to the economy and to live life in an inclusive environment.
On September 12th, the Alliance Center for Independence and REV UP NJ celebrated Disability Voting Rights Week with our annual Make the Disability Vote Count event at the State House Annex in Trenton. The event kicked off with live entertainment and a visit from the Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice.
Over 100 disability advocates and allies, including members of several of NJ's Centers for Independent Living, voiced the importance and strength of the disability vote in this year's election.
