Thank You Rutgers University Interns!

ACI would like to take a moment to thank our interns from Rutgers University who put together several workshops for people with disabilities.

Interns Jinal Patel and Kassandra Soldevilla conducted a series of Zumba and Tai Chi classes during April and May. The classes were provided free of charge to our members as part of ACI's health and wellness program.

We would also like to thank intern Domanique Davison, who presented a workshop on positive thinking and stress management. Participants at her class learned about methods on reducing stress at work and maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Workshop on People with Disabilities during the Holocaust

This past spring, ACI hosted a presentation and round table discussion about what people with disabilities went through during the Holocaust. Paul B. Winkler, Executive Director, NJ Commission on Holocaust Education, spoke about how we must work together to end hatred and discrimination.

NJTIP Teaches Students with Disabilities How to Travel Independently

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10 people, including students from Edison High School, learned about traveling independently using NJ Transit buses and trains at a workshop conducted by the NJ Travel Independence Program (NJTIP). Thank you to Louis Hoffman of NJTIP for his informative presentation.

For more information on NJTIP, please click visit the Rutgers University website.

HUD and NJ Division on Civil Rights Educate People with Disabilities on Housing Rights

ACI hosted a very informative seminar on the federal Fair Housing Act and how it applies to people with disabilities. Presentations were given by Dinorah Velez and Wanda Nieves, both from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Edward Haas, NJ Division on Civil Rights. We look forward to working with them on housing issues.

Basic Computer Skills Workshops for People with Disabilities

ACI recently sponsored a two part workshop on basic computer skills. The course was taught by computer programmer, AnneMarie Torres, and included instruction on Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Thank you AnneMarie!

PNC Bank Conducts Seminar on Financial Literacy

As part of our Independent Living Skills program, ACI offered a very informative workshop on banking, including opening an account, how to save, avoiding debt, and wise use of credit cards. The workshop, conducted by Yolanda Sweeny, Vice President-Community Consultant at PNC Bank, took place on August 20th.

Emergency Preparedness Overnight Exercise for People with Disabilities

On August 22nd and 23rd, over 100 volunteers and individuals with disabilities took part in the ACI sponsored Emergency Preparedness Overnight Exercise. This event, the first ever in NJ and 2nd in the country, took place in Piscataway at the Livingston Recreation Center of Rutgers University.

ACI partnered with FEMA, Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the American Red Cross and Rutgers University to simulate an emergency shelter experience.   This event assisted in an ongoing effort to improve the ability to provide service and support to individuals with disabilities during disasters. ACI would like to thank all of the stakeholders, volunteers and participants who took part in this important event.  
 

"The importance of emergency and disaster preparedness, particularly for people with disabilities cannot be overstated.  People with disabilities have often been an afterthought during a disaster.  We are trying to change that and hope to have this exercise replicated throughout the state." - Carole Tonks, ACI Executive Director

Be sure to read the Edison Sentinel article on the event!

If you are interested in disaster training in your area, please contact Carole Tonks at 732-738-4388 ext. 118 or ctonks@adacil.org.