ACI would like to thank Billy Busch, Executive Director of Membership Services at Community Access Unlimited, for his informative workshop entitled Assistive Technology and Independent Living. Staff, volunteers and others learned about the technology, from the latest gadgets, computer apps, home modifications and assistive technology that enable people with disabilities to become more independent in their own homes. Thank you Billy!
ACI would like to thank Melissa Powers, of the law firm of Hinkle, Fingles, Prior & Fischer, for her informative presentation on guardianship and special needs trusts. This workshop was geared towards parents of transition age children. This is the second part in a series of workshops and information sessions hosted by ACI devoted to the issues of parents of children with disabilities.
ACI was honored to host Roland Pierson, a decorated Marine Corps combat veteran during the Vietnam War. Roland, who served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 and was wounded, give a presentation on his experiences during and after the War. Roland's personal accounts were humorous and heartfelt. Thank you to Roland and all the veterans for your service!
Thank you to Mark Schonwetter and Isabella Fiske from the Holocaust Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. Mark, a survivor of the Holocaust from Poland, recounted the two years he spent, along with his mother and sister, hiding from the German Army in the forests of southern Poland during World War 2. Isablella, moderated the discussion. This was the 2nd of two workshops that ACI has organized with funding from the NJ Council for the Humanities. Thank you to Mark and Isabella for reminding us to "Remember and Tell."
On the evening of August 30th, friends of ACI came together for a night of fun and creativity at the Make Me Take Me Studio in Highland Park. 24 people participated in a guided painting exercise led by gifted painters and the owners of the studio, Dr. and Mrs. Yang. Dr. Yang walked the participants step by step from blank canvas to a beautiful painting of the aurora borealis. While each attendee was following instructions, Dr. Yang encouraged freedom of expression, so each painting came out a bit differently. A huge thank you goes out to the staff of Make Me Take Me Studio for a wonderful experience!
Recently, ACI hosted a workshop to help individuals in situations involving an active shooter. Presenters Captain Martin Mogensen, Union County Police Department, and Sheldon Green, Union County Office of Emergency Management gave a run down of recent active shooter incidents and offered advice for people with disabilities can respond in these situations. Thank you to Captian Morgensen and Mr. Green for the informative discussion.
ACI would like to continue meeting on this important issue and get input from the disability community. If you would like to be part of our workgroup, please contact Carole Tonks at ctonks@adacil.org.
ACI would like to thank MaryAnne Kokidis of Amerigroup NJ for her terrific workshop on stress management. MaryAnne discussed how too much stress can affect your physical health and shared tips on how to reduce stress in our daily lives. Thank you MaryAnne and Amerigroup NJ!
