Disability Rights Are Civil Rights

Written by Nybil Ghanem, Disability Advocate and I&R Specialist for ACI…and VOTER!

Throughout the history of the ADA, disability advocates all across the country continue to fight tirelessly for our civil rights, as well as including accessibility into the mix, at every level at every turn! This will be 32 years since the passing of The Americans with Disabilities Act, more commonly known as The ADA!

It doesn't just begin and end, with every broken sidewalk, no, but with every broken wheelchair, with every broken job turn down, or with every broken healthcare restriction, to every broken piece of assistive technology, that is constantly needing enforcement for change! The ADA helped 'pave the way' for a more inclusive America and with the goal of fighting for endless inclusivity in our homes, in every door entrance, and beyond! These are a few prime examples of how disabled individuals' lives are affected and how far we need to go.

From advocating for NJ Workability on a state level, to increasing funding for all the NJ Centers for Independent Living on a state level, to updating ABLE Laws on the Federal Level, the ADA proclamation was truly just the beginning, but certainly not the end! All people with disabilities and our supporters must continue to let not just our voices be heard, but our rights must be heard even louder!

Disabled and Proud is this disability advocates war cry as I 'wheel on' and march onward to freedom! Onward to strengthening our rights under the ADA!

Posted on July 26, 2022 and filed under Advocacy.

July 26th Marks the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act

The Alliance Center for Independence would like to recognize and congratulate the tireless efforts of advocates who worked on getting the Americans with Disabilities Act passed and signed into law 32 years ago on July 26th. This landmark civil rights law has had a profound impact on the lives of people with disabilities in the area of employment, local and state services, areas of public accommodations, and telecommunications.

However, our fight continues. While the ADA has been the law of land for over three decades, the struggle for compliance rests on the shoulders of the present generation of advocates. Employment among people with disabilities remains low, nursing homes and institutions are still warehousing people with disabilities, the fight for simply curb cuts on streets and accessible parking spots still go on.

ACI supports and salutes those who never give up!

Posted on July 26, 2022 and filed under Advocacy.

Consumer Input Survey for the State Plan for Independent Living 2022

ACI needs your input!

The New Jersey Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is appointed by the Governor and charged with developing and monitoring the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL).

The State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) is a document that outlines the three-year plan to support and enhance New Jersey’s Independent Living Services and the network of Centers for Independent Living. We are in the process of revising the SPIL. As part of this process, we are asking people with disabilities for their input as to what topics are important to gain or maintain their independence in the community.

The information gathered from this survey will provide guidance in the development of the SPIL and will help to guide Independent Living Services to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Thank you for your time and assistance!

Posted on July 21, 2022 .

We Want YOU to Star in Our COVID-19 Vaccine PSA!

Are you ready to be a STAR? Do you speak a language other than English or Spanish? If so, ACI needs you! Come on down and audition to be in ACI's upcoming PSA on COVID-19 vaccines! Just fill out the form at the link below!

Posted on July 19, 2022 and filed under Health.

Family Fun Day

On June 25th, ACI and guests celebrated our Family Fun Day! ACI partnered up with the Middlesex County Health Department and was able to give over 20 families COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. We had a special guest, Elina, come out and paint the faces of all our guests! Spider-Man also made a grand appearance and even danced the Cha Cha Slide with us! We had many games to play and lots of food and fun!

Posted on July 14, 2022 and filed under Social Rec, Health.

Join us for ACI's Family Fun Day this Saturday!

The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) will present Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 25th. The event will take place at 635 Amboy Ave, Edison, NJ, behind St. Paul the Apostle Senior Housing. Rain date: July 9th 2022.

Family Fun Day is open to the public and geared towards people with disabilities and their families.

Free COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots will be provided by the Middlesex County Health Department. St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick will be on hand to distribute free COVID-19 kits. The event will also feature small games, prizes, ice cream and a food truck.

“The purpose of this event is to highlight the importance of getting vaccinated while providing a fun day for people with disabilities and their families.” says Carole Tonks, Executive Director of ACI.

Participants who receive a vaccine or booster and complete a vaccine survey at the event will receive a free $25 ShopRite gift card and a ticket for free ice cream.

“We know many people in our community have not been vaccinated. We wanted this event to reach those that don’t traditionally seek our services, including individuals with disabilities whose primary language is Spanish.” said Kim Garcia, ACI’s Public Health Program Coordinator and one of the interpreters at the event.

Family Fun Day is made possible through a grant from the Disability Vaccine Access Opportunities Center.

For more information, contact Kim Garcia at 732-738-4388 ex. 123 or kgarcia@adacil.org

Posted on June 23, 2022 and filed under Social Rec, Press Release.

Stay Informed About the COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

ACI is here to help keep you safe and get you vaccinated!

Get in contact with us if…

  • You are in need of a COVID-19 vaccine or booster

  • You need assistance with reliable transportation to and from your appointment

  • You are in need of locating places to get vaccinated or are undecided

If any of those apply to you, then please fill out the form below or contact Kim Garcia at kgarcia@adacil.org or 732-738-4388 ext 123.

Posted on June 9, 2022 and filed under Health.