Alliance Center for Independence
ACI's Luke Koppisch was a guest on Bob Kafka's podcast, Barrier Free Futures. They discussed REV UP NJ, the importance of voting, and the upcoming gubernatorial election.
You can listen to the episode in the player below or on the Barrier Free Futures website.
ACI was honored to host a disability issues roundtable with Congressman Andy Kim. Congressman Kim represents the 3rd congressional district, which includes Burlington County and parts of Monmouth and Mercer counties. He is currently running for the U.S. Senate.
Ten advocates participated in the discussion and provided personal perspectives on various issues affecting the 1.7 million people with disabilities in New Jersey. Among these topics were transportation, employment, and disaster preparedness. Congressman Kim shared his concerns and expressed his eagerness for ongoing dialogue to discuss solutions to these issues.
A thank you also goes out to Made with Love: ACI Catering for the delicious breakfast!
On September 12th, the Alliance Center for Independence and REV UP NJ celebrated Disability Voting Rights Week with our annual Make the Disability Vote Count event at the State House Annex in Trenton. The event kicked off with live entertainment and a visit from the Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice.
Over 100 disability advocates and allies, including members of several of NJ's Centers for Independent Living, voiced the importance and strength of the disability vote in this year's election.
On September 14th, individuals with disabilities from across New Jersey gathered at the Statehouse in Trenton to showcase the power of the disability vote!
The event was sponsored by REV UP NJ and the Alliance Center for Independence and took place during Disability Voting Rights Week, a national effort by REV UP to get those running for elected office to listen to the concerns and issues of their disabled constituents. The event also featured many great speakers including NJ Assembly Speaker, Craig Coughlin and a live performance by musician, Cory Singer.
REV UP NJ is a chapter of REV UP, a national effort of the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD).
For additional information, please contact Luke Koppisch at lkoppisch@adacil.org or visit adacil.org/voting
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
Earlier this week, ACI and REV UP NJ held an event that highlighted the power of the disability vote at the NJ State House Annex in Trenton. Thank you to everyone who came out!
If you would like information on how to get involved with this year's election, please visit adacil.org/voting
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.
