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 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.
Senator Vince Polistina, Assemblyman Don Guardian, and Assemblywoman Claire Swift of Atlantic County are seeking honest and personal responses about the quality of service provided by Access Link since 2021. These responses will help inform concrete policy changes that enhance the accessibility and functioning of Access Link.
Your responses will be kept confidential and are for informational purposes only.
Take the survey at the link below.
A message from Carole Tonks and Nybil Ghanem about the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a ground-breaking civil rights law that protects the rights of those with disabilities and enables 61 million Americans to be fully included in society.
Today marks the 34th Anniversary of the signing of the ADA by President George H. W. Bush.
The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and many public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Join ACI in celebrating the ADA and recognizing the hard work of 100s of advocates throughout the country to make this law possible. ACI also calls upon the disability community to keep the spirit of the ADA alive by advocating for greater enforcement, pointing out discrimination, complaining when faced with barriers, both attitudinal and physical, as well as spreading the word about the importance of this law, our civil rights law.
ACI is committed to ensuring that the promise of the ADA is realized and advocating against those who wish to weaken it.
For more information about the ADA, visit adata.org/learn-about-ada
ACI joined dozens of organizations throughout the county for the 12th annual Day of Mourning, sponsored by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). This vigil remembers individuals with disabilities who have been murdered by a family member or caretaker. Participants held candles as they read names of the victims. Personal reflections were also shared.
On September 14th, individuals with disabilities from across New Jersey gathered at the Statehouse in Trenton to showcase the power of the disability vote!
The event was sponsored by REV UP NJ and the Alliance Center for Independence and took place during Disability Voting Rights Week, a national effort by REV UP to get those running for elected office to listen to the concerns and issues of their disabled constituents. The event also featured many great speakers including NJ Assembly Speaker, Craig Coughlin and a live performance by musician, Cory Singer.
REV UP NJ is a chapter of REV UP, a national effort of the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD).
For additional information, please contact Luke Koppisch at lkoppisch@adacil.org or visit adacil.org/voting
