Washington DC Road Trip to Oppose Graham-Cassidy Health Care Bill

UPDATE (9/26/17): THERE WILL NOT BE A VOTE! thehill.com/policy/healthcare/352503-senate-wont-vote-on-obamacare-repeal-bill

Thank you to the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities for sponsoring a van trip to Washington DC on September 25th to participate in the hearing opposing the Graham-Cassidy health care bill.

During the trip, the group discussed the implications of the bill and how it could effect the disabled and elderly. We made signs in the van, and once in Washington went inside the Dirksen Senate Office Building and joined ADAPT and other disability organizations in chanting "No cuts to Medicaid! Save our liberty!"
 
We had the opportunity to speak with other advocates from around the country and catch up with some old friends. The hearing room, hallway and overflow room were packed with people and media from all over. It was an incredible effort by all.

When the hearing ended, we visited Senator Booker's office to express our gratitude for his support of Medicaid. The Senator was not available, but we were able to talk with his staff and write thank you's in his sign in book.

On our way home from Washington, we received word that Senator Collins was voting no! The advocacy in Washington and those who submitted testimony, called their Senators and participated in rallies and events is having an effect. Please keep calling and using social media. The advocacy and fight is not over yet!

Polish Holocaust Survivor Discusses Stories of Survival During WWII

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."

ACI and Friends Speak Out Against Hate in a Peaceful Candlelight Gathering

Thank you to everyone who participated in Disabled Stand Against Hate vigil on the evening of August 31st. The event, organized by ACI, was an effort by people with disabilities to speak out against hate and intolerance in the community.

Guided Painting Workshop at Make Me Take Me Art Studio

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!

NJCDD and REV UP NJ Partner for Voting Advocacy Conference

On Saturday, August 19th, REV UP NJ partnered with the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities to present the second part of the What's Your Advocacy? series in Princeton. The conference focused on providing the tools necessary for people with disabilities and families to vote and become more effective advocates. Among the presenters were Bob Kafka, ADAPT and Zach Baldwin, American Association of People with Disabilities. ACI and REV UP NJ look forward to continuing to work with the NJCDD.

Union County Police and OEM Give Advice on Active Shooter Situations

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.