The Alliance for Disabled in Action, Inc., is one
of the network of independent living centers found across the United
States. Created as a result of federal legislation, The Rehabilitation
Act, centers respond to the unique needs and issues facing people of
any age with all types of disabilities. Our particular catchment is
the Central Jersey area: Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties.
The mission of our organization is to educate the
constituency not only about their rights, but also about the
responsibilities that are inherent in them. To ensure those rights are
upheld, the Alliance’s consumer-driven network advocates on a local,
state, and federal level. By working in cooperation with our community
partners, which include both the business and governmental sectors,
the Alliance has made a positive impact in the areas of equality,
inclusion and the provision of appropriate supports and resources that
enable people with disabilities to lead independent lifestyles.
Critical to our philosophy is promoting consumer choice and ensuring
that people with disabilities have a voice in the decisions that
affect their daily lives. This is the basis for the idea in
formulating the Strategic Council. The members will take part in a
proactive role and assist in changing the face of the community to a
more accessible one.
In April of 2002 members were presented with the
proposed desired outcomes for the Strategic Council. The Strategic
Council has three goals. The first goal is to formulate an effective
lobbying network, which will address disability issues by meeting with
community leaders to advocate for specific issues. The second goal is to
create a mentoring component where members would groom new leaders for
future advocacy initiatives. The third goal is to establish a successful
Community Campaign, which will enable people with disabilities to have
the opportunity to participate and take on an active role in their
community.
Upon the introduction of the Strategic Council,
members were asked at monthly meetings and on the Alliance’s website
to suggest a municipality that has accessibility concerns in their own
county, i.e., Middlesex, Somerset and Union. The Council’s Community
Campaign will target locations that are not accessible to people with
disabilities.
Accessibility means more than just a ramp.
Architectural access is only one of the barriers people with
disabilities must face daily. Access also means changing attitudes and
how policies and procedures are developed to ensure equality and
inclusion.
The responses clearly indicated that Highland Park would become the pilot project because there are accessibility issues. The Mayor and City Council welcomed the Council’s intentions because the municipality was awarded a Main Street Grant by the NJ Department of Community Affairs to assist in community development.
The Strategic Council is also available to conduct site assessments and provide technical assistance for businesses, houses of worship, public and government facilities interested in becoming fully accessible to people with all disabilities. Please contact Advocacy/Outreach Coordinator, Maria Abbott.
Want to Join our Efforts?
Please contact the
Advocacy/Outreach Coordinator, Maria Abbott advocacy@adacil.org.