Individuals with disabilities face the same challenges that everyone does in life, however their disabilities may not only make those challenges more difficult but they often have additional obstacles as well. Many of these obstacles are due to how the world around them is designed and the lack of adequate support systems. But, this need not be the case. In this episode, we talk with Charles Dodge from Alliance Center for Independence about providing resources and education for disabled individuals on how they can live their lives independently as possible, as well as providing resources and assistance for those that are in need and would like to be independent.
Posts filed under Advocacy
Access Checklist for Vaccination Sites in New Jersey - Ensuring Vaccine Sites are Accessible to New Jerseyans with Disabilities
The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) and the NJ Statewide Independent Living Council (NJSILC) recently released the “Access Checklist for Vaccination in New Jersey” to give vaccine sites a tool to ensure sites are physically accessible for people with all types of disabilities.
“The checklist is very comprehensive and will make a big impact on the smaller vaccination sites,” said Carole Tonks, Executive Director of ACI.
“Since the roll-out of the vaccines, it has been obvious that the accessibility needs of people with disabilities at vaccine distribution sites were not being anticipated - specially at smaller sites,” said Norman A. Smith, Chair of the NJSILC.
The checklist was developed in collaboration with the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (The Partnership) to ensure that vaccination sites in New Jersey are accessible to people with disabilities.
Disabled Advocacy 101
Recently, ACI held a 7-part series of Zoom workshops geared towards individuals who wanted to sharpen their advocacy skills to make changes in their community. Topics included voting and civil rights laws, public speaking skills, the history of disability, the legislative process, and systems v. self advocacy. Guest speakers included Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey of NJ 11th Legislative District and Stephen Leiberman of United Spinal. Upon completion, participants received an official NJ Senate and Assembly citation from the 11th District office. Congratulations to all our participants!
DOT Proposes Rule to Improve Access to Vehicles for People with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released for public comment a proposed rule to improve access to motor vehicles, including rental cars, for people with disabilities. The rule proposes changes to NHTSA’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard to facilitate the use of adaptive equipment in rental cars and to simplify vehicle transport of wheelchairs and scooters.
Public comments are due January 27, 2021. For further information, visit DOT’s website or contact Gunyoung Lee of NHTSA Office of Crash Avoidance Standards at 202-366-6005, Daniel Koblenz of NHTSA Office of Chief Counsel at 202-366-5329, or David Jasinski at 202-366-5552.
“As a member of the disability community and a wheelchair user, I believe this is a step in the right direction.” says CJ Dodge, ACI’s Information & Referral Specialist. “There are not currently enough options for rental vehicles that have adaptive equipment. I believe this will allow companies who provide rental vehicles to begin to provide more inventory to the public. It also allows customers to choose the vehicle that they would like to use to fit their needs instead of having to choose the one option that is only sometimes available. I think that there is a need to take additional steps. I believe that every rental company should have not only the options that this proposal provides but also vehicles with ramps and adaptive seating already in place. I also believe that there should be vehicles that have adaptive equipment for people who are deaf or heard of hearing. People with disabilities should have the same opportunities as people without disabilities and that includes not having to go through extra waiting periods for adaptive rental cars to be found or retrofitted. I believe people with disabilities should be able to make a spontaneous trip if they desire to do so. But, there is definitely a need for this proposal because there isn't enough inventory available at rental companies now. “
If you are interested in writing your own testimony and would like help, contact cdodge@adacil.org
Help Make Positive Changes in the Voting Process and Win an Amazon Gift Card!
As part of our continuing efforts to increase the participation of people with disabilities in the election process, the Alliance Center for Independence and REV UP NJ would like to learn about your experience voting in the last election. We are asking our constituents with disabilities and their family members to fill out the following survey.
NJ COVID-19 Disability Action Committee Release Report on People with Disabilities and the Pandemic
A group of leaders and advocates representing the broad range of people who have disabilities in New Jersey will release a report about how COVID-19 has impacted the disability community. The report released on Friday, October 30, 2020, describes how the State’s preparation for and response to the COVID-19 pandemic failed to meet the critical needs of people with disabilities and their families. It also acknowledges the rights of the community as guaranteed by various State and Federal laws.
The New Jersey COVID-19 Disability Action Committee (DAC) is a 23-member panel that calls for changes in New Jersey’s operating procedures, programs, and laws as well as the assumptions underlying them as they affect people with disabilities. The report cites severe deficits in the State's preparation, planning, and response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the risk of illness and death in our community.
ACTION ALERT: Is Your Ballot Drop Box Inaccessible? Let Us Know!
Although the election is November 3rd, many Jerseyans have already cast their ballot using the mail-in drop box that have been set up throughout the state.
However, we have received complaints from voters with disabilities who say that some of these boxes were placed in inaccessible locations or positioned in a way that makes it difficult for someone using a wheelchair to use.
Some mail-in ballot drop boxes, for example, have been placed in locations that are not accessible by curve cut, or on sidewalks that leave little room to maneuver a wheelchair.
If your mail-in ballot drop box is located in an inaccessible spot, ACI and REV UP NJ would like to know! Contact Luke at lkoppisch@adacil.org. We are gathering this information in order to advocate on this issue with the NJ Division of Elections. Also, please contact your county's Board of Elections and let them know the situation. Click here to find your Board of Elections.
If you have questions, please contact Luke at lkoppisch@adacil.org.
