SHARES Task Force Conference

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On Wednesday, April 13th, 2016, Middlesex L.E.A.D.S., a collaborative of the Middlesex County Center for Empowerment and the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI), came together at The Law Center of New Jersey to present a message of pride at this year's SHARES (Sexuality, Health, Awareness, Rights, Education and Safety) Task Force Conference.

Panelists CJ Dodge from ACI; Ashley Gaunt from Planned Parenthood; along with moderators; Melissa Keyes DiGioia from Finding Your Individuality and Monica Avisado from ACI and Middlesex County Center for Empowerment all took the stage and shared their life experiences and opinions about how important disability and LGBTQ pride is to the community. 21 Task Force Conference attendees joined the panelist and enthusiastically participated. All present came to the conclusion that organizations that serve individuals with disabilities and the LGBTQ community have a lot in common with their advocacy efforts and should continue to work together to realize the common goal of equality, empowerment, and pride!

Ribbon Cutting Marks the Installation of Audio Crosswalks in Fords

On April 13th, ACI staff, volunteers, board members and supporters were joined by Woodbridge Township Mayor, John McCormac, Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald Rios, and Freeholders Charles Kenny and Charles and Tamaro to officially unveil the audio crosswalk signals along Amboy Ave. in Fords. A total of 12 audio signals were installed. Argenys Caba, ACI's office administrator, advocated for the signals, which will allow people with disabilities, seniors, students at the local school, and other pedestrians cross the streets safely and independently. Congratulations Argenys!

ACI Remembers Disabled Filicide Victims During Nationwide Day of Mourning

On March 1st 2016, people across the nation gathered to remember disabled victims of filicide (disabled people murdered by their family members or caregivers). We came together for ACI's second vigil to mourn our brothers and sisters and to bring awareness to these horrible tragedies. Thank you to everyone who joined us this evening and shared your thoughts and prayers.

ACI Recognizes Black History Month with Lecture on Civil Rights

Recently, ACI recognized Black History Month by hosting a presentation by Ronald Copeland, a local civil rights activist who worked to end segregation and discrimination in Somerset County during the 1960's and early 70's. The 25 people who attended also heard from Eulanda Brooks, ACI Independent Living Specialist, who related her experiences as a student protester and encounters with police during the 1967 riots in Detroit. Ethan Ellis, former Executive Director of the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities, also spoke about the disability rights movement and the significant role he played in it. Thank you to all three speakers for their informative and inspiring presentations!

ACI Becomes a NJ Partner for REV UP Campaign

ACI has teamed up with Bob Kafka and the Texas Disability Project to become a NJ partner in the REV UP Campaign (Register, Educate, Vote, Use our Power)! The campaign is designed to get more people with disabilities and our supporters registered and voting!

We cannot rest on our past victories. We must build on the past and move forward using the power we have acquired. This power can be exerted by Making the DISABILITY VOTE Count! Policymakers are influenced by large numbers of people turning out to vote in the primaries and the general elections. Together we have the power to change our communities!

More than at any time in memory: Issues important to people with disabilities must be part of any candidate’s platform running for public office.
To Vote: First you must Register. Get Educated on the issues.
Then most important you must Vote.
USE YOUR POWER! Together We Can Make a Difference!" - Bob Kafka, ADAPT
 
Join thousands of New Jerseyites with disabilities, family members and our supporters in this important historic election! Join us in the REV UP Campaign of New Jersey!

For info contact Carole Tonks at ctonks@adacil.org.

Middlesex County Installs Accessible Audio Crosswalks in Fords

As a result of ACI's advocacy efforts, Middlesex County recently installed 12 accessible audio crosswalk signals on intersections along Amboy Ave, near King George Post Road in Fords, NJ. The new signals allow people with visual impairments and other disabilities to cross the busy streets safely and more independently. Congratulations to Argenys Caba for spearheading this successful effort!