The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) and the NJ Statewide Independent Living Council (NJSILC) recently released the “Access Checklist for Vaccination Sites in New Jersey” to give vaccine sites a tool to ensure sites are physically accessible for people with all types of disabilities.
“The checklist is very comprehensive and will make a big impact on the smaller vaccination sites,” said Carole Tonks, Executive Director of ACI.
“Since the roll-out of the vaccines, it has been obvious that the accessibility needs of people with disabilities at vaccine distribution sites were not being anticipated - specially at smaller sites,” said Norman A. Smith, Chair of the NJSILC.
The checklist was developed in collaboration with the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (The Partnership) to ensure that vaccination sites in New Jersey are accessible to people with disabilities.
With input from ACI and the NJSIC, The Partnership created an accessibility checklist as well as an hour-long webinar to assist vaccination sites in creating an inclusive environment for disabled New Jerseyans.
“The Disability Access Checklist is a critical vehicle by which vaccination sites can assess if they are in compliance with the law and are able to provide equal vaccine access to people with disabilities,” said Germán Parodi and Shaylin Sluzalis, Co-Directors of the Partnership.
ACI and the NJSILC are planning for the checklist to be distributed to the NJ Department of Health, Office of Emergency Management, and vaccination sites throughout the state as well as offering one-hour training sessions.
The Disability Access Checklist can also serve as a tool by which registration websites can assess themselves, while collecting information about the types of accommodations people with disabilities will need. Luke Koppisch, ACI Deputy Director, added, “This survey will help ensure that vaccination sites are welcoming and inclusive environments for those with disabilities and seniors."
The Partnership is the only U.S. disability-led 501(c)3 nonprofit with a focused mission on equal access, disability rights and full inclusion of people with disabilities, older adults, and people with access and functional needs before, during, and after disasters and emergencies.
The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) is a non-profit community-based organization in Edison, NJ. Founded in 1986, ACI recognizes disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. ACI supports and promotes independent living for people with disabilities in Middlesex, Union, and Somerset counties in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Statewide Independent Living Council (NJSILC) is a federally-mandated council whose members are appointed by the governor. The NJSILC works with Centers for Independent Living such as ACI to advocate on issues impacting people with all types of disabilities. The NJSILC’s membership is made up of people with disabilities and representation from disability agencies.
If you are interested in receiving an electronic copy of the checklist, please click the download link below or to learn about ACI’s services, visit their website at adacil.org. For COVID related questions, contact our hotline at 732-738-1941.
For more information about the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), please contact via email through nsmith@njsilc.org or visit their website at njsilc.org.
For more information about the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, please call 215-971-0660, 570-777-0268 or visit their website at disasterstrategies.org.
