NJ State Reopening Survey - Summer 2020

The Alliance Center for Independence wants to hear from you!

As the number of COVID-19 cases has declined in NJ, the state has entered “Phase 2” of reopening. This means that restaurants, public facilities, and retail stores are now open (with limitations) to customers. Establishments have reconfigured their spaces (including outdoor seating for restaurants) in order to comply with social distancing and other guidelines.

In our continuing advocacy efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, ACI is asking our constituents to provide feedback on accessibility of the establishments you are now patronizing. Please fill out the survey below and help make NJ more accessible during the reopening process!

If you have any questions, please contact Luke Koppisch at lkoppisch@adacil.org

Thank you!

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT SURVEY

Reopening Survey

NJ Reopening and the ADA

As the disability community in NJ and around the county prepare to mark the 30th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26th, the Alliance Center for Independence wrote to the Governor Murphy's administration urging him to remind businesses of their requirements to comply with the ADA. As the state starts to reopen and recover economically from the coronavirus pandemic, ACI is concerned that retail stores and restaurants will not make their establishments barrier free and welcoming to people with disabilities. Below is a letter sent to Paul Aronsohn, NJ's Ombudsman for People with Developmental Disabilities and their Families expressing our concerns.

NJ Beach Access Bills

There are two important bills in the State Legislature that have to do with making beaches more accessible to people with all disabilities. These are A-1579 and S-761.

Both bills require:

“Within one year after the effective date of this act, the Department of Environmental Protection shall, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, develop guidelines for specific facilities and accommodations necessary to provide accessibility to beaches for persons with disabilities. The guidelines shall include recommendations for ramps, restrooms, showers, boardwalks, surf chairs, parking, and any other facilities deemed appropriate.”

For more information, go to the NJ Legislature website at njleg.state.nj.us

A-1579 is sponsored by Assemblywoman Joann Downey, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, of Monmouth County and Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake, of Essex County. Currently, A-1579 is sitting in the Assembly Human Services Committee. Assemblywoman Downey is the chair of this Committee.

S-761 is sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal, of Monmouth County. This bill is called “Penny’s Law.” Currently, S-761 is sitting in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. Senator Bob Smith of Piscataway is chair of that Committee.

Advocates can help move these bills for passage. It’s Summer and the beaches are open!

You can call or write to Senator Smith’s office at 732-752-0770 or sensmith@njleg.org

What to say or write (This is just a guideline. Use your own words if you want):

“My name is ______________________. I live in __________________. I am calling/writing to request that S-761 be considered for a vote in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. S-761 requires the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Human Services to develop guidelines to make beaches accessible for people with disabilities. As a person with a disability (or family member with a disability) I enjoy going to the beach, but many beaches are not accessible, even after 30 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. Passage of this bill will help NJ’s beaches become in compliance with this law. Thank you.”

If you have questions, please email Luke Koppisch at lkoppisch@adacil.org

COVID-19 Recovery for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act

While some steps have been taken to help protect older adults and people with disabilities from the coronavirus, the prolonged nature of the pandemic requires additional action and investment. In response, legislators announced the COVID-19 Recovery for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act.

This act would:

• Require the Social Security Administration to halt unnecessary activities like continuing disability reviews and collection of overpayments for seniors and people with disabilities.

• Remove administrative barriers to accessing disability benefits and health care, and expand eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• Open a Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to easily and quickly enroll more people during the public health emergency.

• Increase funding for the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission to educate seniors about coronavirus-related scams.

• Provide flexibility for the senior food box program to limit the number of times a senior must leave their home in order to access proper nutrition.

ACI is one of 55 national and state organizations representing older adults, people with disabilities and home health care workers who have signed on to support the bill. You can read more about the bill at the link below.

Wheelchair Policies at Hospitals During Pandemic

ACI continues to advocate for people with disabilities who seek medical services during the coronavirus pandemic. We recently wrote to the NJ Department of Health regarding hospitals' policies that disallow patients who rely on their own mobility devices to use them while getting treatment. You can read the letter sent to Commissioner Judith M. Persichilli at the link below.

Census 2020: Shape Your Future!

UPDATE 10/14/20: The 2020 Census will now end on October 15th, but the online self-response in NJ will be available until 6 AM on October 16th.

The Alliance Center for Independence is working with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the US Census Bureau to encourage people with disabilities to fill out the Census.

Have you filled out your 2020 Census? A count of the population of the United States must be conducted every 10 years. Each household must fill out the Census for everyone living there. This includes those with disabilities!

People with disabilities make up 22% of the American public, yet they traditionally have been among the most under-counted populations. Among other things, your response determines how $1.5 trillion in federal funds are allocated every year, including funding for Medicaid, and Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities.

Did not receive a Census? Go to 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020.

For more information, contact Argenys Caba at acaba@adacil.org or 732-738-4388.

Reopening State Parks and Limits on Accessible Parking

ACI recently wrote to the Mayor of Westfield in Union County regarding its policy on reopening its parks. Specifically, we are concerned these policies entail prohibiting parking at the parks, which unintentionally exclude people disabilities who require accessible parking.

As the state and municipal services begin to slowly reopen, ACI is closely monitoring how this gradual reopening will impact people with disabilities. Is your town not considering the rights of people with disabilities as it starts to reopen? Please let us know how the reopening has affected you.