As a result of ACI's advocacy efforts, Middlesex County recently installed 12 accessible audio crosswalk signals on intersections along Amboy Ave, near King George Post Road in Fords, NJ. The new signals allow people with visual impairments and other disabilities to cross the busy streets safely and more independently. Congratulations to Argenys Caba for spearheading this successful effort!
Recently, 7 individuals completed an 8 week course on safety and abuse prevention. The classes, conducted by ACI staff, are part of a large nation-wide study to increase the safety knowledge and skills of people with intellectual disabilities conducted by the University of Montana. ACI is one of only 13 independent living centers selected throughout the country to partner with the University on this project.
Representatives from ACI's Advocacy Group recently met with Edison Township's Mayor Tom Lankey and Administrator Melissa Perilstein. Topics discussed were inaccessibility of some the of town's streets and sidewalks, enforcement of the snow removal law and housing. Thank you Mayor Lankey and Ms. Perilstein.
Members of the ACI Advocacy Group met today to compose letters to the editor in opposition to Professor Peter Singer of Princeton University. ACI is working with other disability and civil rights organizations to hold a protest against Singer and Princeton University on Thursday, September 10th at 12 Noon on the steps of the NJ State House in Trenton.
For more details and to register for the protest, visit our events page.
On August 11th, 15 people attended a workshop on New Jersey's law against discrimination and employment. The workshop was conducted by Edward Haas, Legal Specialist of the NJ Division on Civil Rights. Thank you to Edward for the useful information!
Be sure to look for similar workshops on the civil rights of people with disabilities that ACI will be holding periodically.
The following is an article from njtvonline.org
Nybil Ghanem recalls when he went to Atlantic City several months ago, it was hard to get some places.
“I just thought it was very unfair that someone couldn’t get up to certain card table venues because of the stairs,” he said.
Ghanem encountered examples of what the Justice Department says it discovered in a four and a half year review: violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act at five Atlantic City hotels, casinos and restaurants — Resorts Casino Hotel, Tropicana Casino and Resort, Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, The Rainforest Café at the former Trump Plaza and Trump Taj Mahal.
The violations include doors that require too much force to open, doorways that are too narrow for passage, gaming tables that are too high for wagering and disability parking spaces without signage.
But, instead of suing the businesses for damages, the Justice Department has reached settlement agreements. “The agreements require the hotels and casinos to remedy any violations, enabling people with mobility impairments to fully access these facilities.” The agreements include training staff and give businesses six months to two years to comply.
July 26th 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ACI salutes the pioneers, activists and leaders in the disability community as well as the ordinary people who championed for passage of this significant civil rights law.
Now 25 years later, a new generation of people with disabilities are working to ensure that the promises of the ADA are fulfilled. In ADA@25 and Beyond, we interview several people with disabilities to highlight the continuing struggles they face.
A big thanks to those who shared their thoughts with us...James A. Michels, Christine Riva Hines, Ethan Ellis, Nybil Ghanem, Sarah Rizzuto and Jim Dickson.
