ACI Advocates for People with Disabilities at Donald Trump's Edison HQ

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ACI's CJ Dodge and Luke Koppisch recently visited presumptive Republican President Nominee Donald Trump's NJ Campaign Headquarters in Edison. The purpose of the visit was to present to the headquarters's staff a list of questions on disability-related topics, ranging from healthcare to employment to education, complied by RespectAbilityUSA, a national disability organization, based in Maryland. The questions were sent to all the presidential candidates, all of whom responded, except for Donald Trump. To see the questions and the candidates' answers, go to respectabilityusa.com.

ACI urges the the Trump campaign to respond to the questions posed by RespectAbility. Contact the Trump national headquarters at donaldjtrump.com and let them know how important it is for the 54 million Americans with disabilities to know his position on disabilities issues.

"Having a campaign office that is accessible and accommodating towards people with disabilities sends a message that we are valuable to you" - CJ Dodge

CJ and Luke also checked the office for accessibility. ACI urges all campaign offices to be fully accessible to visitors as well as volunteers. "Having a campaign office that is accessible and accommodating towards people with disabilities sends a message that we are valuable to you", says Dodge. "We are happy that the Trump campaign chose an accessible location for their NJ headquarters."

ACI and Middlesex County Center for Empowerment Honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The Clothesline Project and Denim Day are efforts to bring public awareness to the issue of violence against women. These ACI events were held in conjunction with the Middlesex County Center for Empowerment for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Thank you to all who participated in getting this important message out!

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!