Personal Assistance Services Program Now Offered at the Alliance Center for Independence

The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) is very pleased to announce we are now administrating the State funded Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP) in Middlesex County. We thank the Middlesex County Office of Aging and Disabled Services for the award of the PASP grant.

ACI launched the administration of the PASP program in August and is enjoying the opportunity to work with the many consumers the program serves. Additionally, ACI plans to expand the program to include new participants.

Posted on October 6, 2022 and filed under Press Release.

We Need Your Input About #NJDPP 2023!

It has been a few years since the Alliance Center for Independence held the NJ Disability Pride Parade (now called NJ Disability Pride in the Park). Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, things were placed on hold for everyone's safety. We are looking into the possibility of NJDPP in the Fall of 2023 and want your input! Please take our survey at the link below.

Posted on October 4, 2022 and filed under NJDPP.

Voting Machine Demo Day 2022

ACI and REV UP NJ held its annual Voting Machine Demo Day on September 28th. Thank you to Middlesex County Board of Elections staff Seth Levinson, Valerie Henry and Jen Ratti who demonstrated the polling place check-in process and the county's new accessible machines!

Participants had a chance to try out the machine in preparation for the general election on November 8th. Remember: October 18th is the last day to register to vote!

This demo day is part of ACI and REV UP NJ's effort to engage people with disabilities in the election process. Funding is provided by the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD).

Visit our website for more info: adacil.org/voting

Posted on September 28, 2022 and filed under Voting.

Alliance Center for Independence and REV UP NJ Will Host a Disability Voting Event in Trenton on September 19th

On September 19th, dozens of disability advocates and voting rights experts will be attending The Power of the Disability Vote, an event held at the NJ State House Annex on 131 West State Street in Trenton. Time is set for 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM. This event is open to the public.

The purpose of the day is to underscore the importance of the disability vote in this year’s gubernatorial election. “With nearly 12% of the state’s population identifying themselves as having a disability, we need to show the candidates that our issues need to be addressed,” says Carole Tonks, Executive Director of Alliance Center for Independence.

Posted on September 15, 2022 and filed under Voting, Press Release.

The Alliance Center for Independence Launches a New Disability Podcast!

The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) has recently launched a podcast that focuses on issues important to people with disabilities in NJ and throughout the country. The first episode was dropped on August 30th.

Chica and the Disabled Dude is hosted by Brenda Cazares, ACI’s employment services coordinator, and Nybil Ghanem, ACI’s Information and Referral Specialist. Nybil, a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, will provide his first-hand perspective on work, living independently and breaking down attitudinal barriers. Brenda, a Spanish speaker with vast experience in the disability field, will showcase the unique issues facing Hispanic people with disabilities.

The podcast will feature guest interviews and on location broadcasts. Upcoming topics include: sex and people with disabilities, voting rights, employment, etiquette and accessibility.

Posted on September 7, 2022 and filed under Press Release.