VIDEO: ADA@25 and Beyond

July 26th 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ACI salutes the pioneers, activists and leaders in the disability community as well as the ordinary people who championed for passage of this significant civil rights law.

Now 25 years later, a new generation of people with disabilities are working to ensure that the promises of the ADA are fulfilled. In ADA@25 and Beyond, we interview several people with disabilities to highlight the continuing struggles they face.

A big thanks to those who shared their thoughts with us...James A. Michels, Christine Riva Hines, Ethan Ellis, Nybil Ghanem, Sarah Rizzuto and Jim Dickson.

#ADA25Selfie: We Want to Hear Your Thoughts on the ADA!

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The Alliance Center for Independence is putting together a social media campaign that depicts the continuous struggle for our civil rights. When the ADA anniversary celebrations are over, we need to focus on what needs to be done for the next 25 years and beyond!

From July 25th to August 1st, post a picture of yourself holding a sign expressing what needs to be improved under the ADA. Post your pictures on social media using the hashtag ‪#‎ADA25Selfie‬.

These photos will be enlarged and displayed at the NJ Disability Pride Parade on October 2nd in Trenton.

Some examples of what you can write on your sign:

• Disability Rights ARE Civil Rights!
• We need more accessible transportation!
• Nothing about me, without me!
• Include us in disaster planning!
• Employ Me!

Coming This Summer! Emergency Preparedness Overnight in Somerset County

ACI along with the Somerset Office of Emergency Management, FEMA and other stakeholders are planning the 2nd Overnight Shelter Simulation to take place in Somerset County this summer. Approximately 50 adults with disabilities will spend the night in a shelter staffed by volunteers from agencies engaged in emergency response operations during a disaster.

The purpose of the exercise is to familiarize disabled members of the community with an overnight shelter experience while providing volunteers who set and staff shelters during a disaster with an opportunity to understand and better assist the needs of individuals with disabilities in a disaster.

Watch for opportunities to take part in this important exercise.

This event is made possible by a grant from PSEG. We are grateful for their support.

Middlesex County Board Approves Audio Crosswalk Signals in Fords

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On February 5th, ACI office assistant, Argenys Caba, testified at the Middlesex County Board of Freeholders meeting regarding installation of audio crosswalk signals along Amboy Avenue in Fords, NJ. The board approved the installation, which would allow people with visual and other disabilities cross the busy street safely and independently. Congratulations Argenys!

ACI Meets with Assemblywoman, Nancy Pinkin, to Revise Accessible Parking in NJ

Luke and Carole with NJ Assemblywoman, Nancy Pinkin (middle)

On August 19th, Carole and Luke met with state assemblywoman, Nancy Pinkin of the 18th Legislative District, which includes Edison. Among other topics, the assemblywoman was asked to sponsor a bill to revised NJ's accessible parking to eliminate the word "handicapped" and to replace the old wheelchair symbol of accessibility with a modern symbol of active wheelchair user. All new accessible parking signs will be subjected to this change. A bill, which is based on NY's new accessible parking law, is currently being drafted by the Office of Legislative Services.

ACI's Middlesex Advocacy Group conducts Advocacy Tour

Members of ACI's Middlesex Advocacy Group recently conducted an accessibility tour of the Shop Rite Shopping Plaza on Route 1 in Edison. The goal of the tour was to ensure that the stores in the plaza were accessible and to advocate to make the necessary changes. Armed with tape measures, door pressure scales, and the ADA Checklist for for Existing Facilities, the group looked at the parking lot, aisle space, counter tops and curb cuts. Nybil Ghanem, Christine Hines, Lois Lebbing and Luke Koppisch participated in the event.

Interested in joining our efforts? Contact Nybil, Advocacy Group facilitator, at 732-738-4388 ext. 121 or nghanem@adacil.org.
 

"The tour was a good opportunity to educate business owners about the Americans with Disabilities Act, but also a great way to ensure that they comply with it." - Lois Lebbing, Advocacy Group Participant