The Alliance Center for Independence and its allies have compiled a list of some of the most pressing issues facing people with disabilities in NJ (based on our contact with our constituents) and have presented them to state emergency, legislators and human services officials. We recently submitted the list to Governor Murphy. (See below)
We are urging people with disabilities and their family members to write to Governor Phil Murphy to let him know of the issues you are facing during this crisis. During most crises, the issues facing people with disabilities are often crowded out by others...but we can change that!
As many businesses, schools and organizations throughout the state and the country have temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) is staying open as long as it can to respond to the needs of our disabled community.
“We are taking all the necessary precautions to keep our staff safe, while assisting our constituents during these difficult times,” said Carole Tonks, Executive Director of ACI. “We have suspended our programs and activities, and told our volunteers to stay home, but we haven’t stopped helping as many as we can.”
Staff at ACI have been calling every person on their mailing to ask if they are ok, to offer assistance, and provide a much needed reassuring voice. “People really appreciate that we are calling them and that we are thinking about them,” says Rachel Gabrilowitz, Employment Coordinator. “Many people are isolated in their homes and are fearful.” Since Tuesday, ACI has called 382 people.
We represent a coalition of disabled people, our caregivers, our allies, and other stakeholders who stand together in support of our civil right to live freely in the community. We write to demand that Representative Pallone fulfill his promises to the disability community and stand against institutional bias in our healthcare system.
In August 2018, Representative Pallone promised to cosponsor the Disability Integration Act (DIA) at a campaign event. Today, he is the only NJ representative who has yet to do so. The Disability Integration Act (DIA) is a civil rights bill which aims to end the institutionalization bias of insurance companies and support community living. Representative Pallone has been blocking the movement of the DIA, refusing to set a hearing in the Energy and Commerce Committee, which he chairs. Representative Pallone claims that he does not wish to bring this legislation to a vote because he believes it will not pass, though we already have the votes in the House to pass this legislation. We demand that Representative Pallone give the DIA a chance by bringing this bill to a hearing.
