Alliance Center for Independence
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 Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) is bringing Get FIT to Edison with the goal of providing inclusive healthy living opportunities for people of all abilities. Get FIT which was launched in 2008 by The Family Resource Network, is a national movement of organizations all of whom are connected in the mission to increase health and wellness opportunities for people with disabilities, chronic illness and their caregivers. Get FIT provides evidence-based programs that have been tailored to meet the specific needs of people with varied ability levels. Get FIT participants have reported that they experienced an improved quality of life, increased independent living skills, improved health outcomes, increased physical activity levels, an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and a decreased risk of chronic health conditions after being in the program for 12 weeks.
For more information on Get FIT, please contact ACI or visit getfitnj.org.
On June 24th, ACI presented its second part of its Banking and Budgeting workshop with a tour of the Bank of Woodbridge. Stephany Kim, the bank's branch manager, led the tour and showed the group a behind-the-scenes look at the daily functions of a bank. Thank you to Stephany and the Bank of Woodbridge for the informative tour.
ACI was proud to participate in the Uplifting Coastal Communities: Access Alternatives conference sponsored by FEMA. The conference highlighted the need to plan for access to coastal homes at all stages of life by creating sustainable, accessible and livable communities.
The event featured a keynote by John A. Miller, P.E., CFM, CSM, New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management Legislative Committee Chair, followed by two panels of experts and community champions working toward creating accessible coastal communities.
ACI members learned how to defend themselves in an introductory 1Touch Self Defense workshop. Taught by Trisha Ebel, 1Touch uses techniques people with disabilities can employ to fend off attackers. Contact ACI about how you can take a full 1Touch course planned for the fall.
ACI recently completed a 5-session class on adaptive yoga at Highland Park Senior Center. Participants received certificates upon completion. Adaptive yoga was developed in order for people with physical disabilities to enjoy the same health benefits as traditional yoga.
For more information about how ACI can bring adaptive yoga to your school or organization, please contact us. Luke and Carole are certified LVCY Get Fit Where You Sit instructors.
On June 17th, ACI hosted a workshop designed to help participants make better financial decisions. Stephany Kim, Branch Manager of the Bank of Woodbridge, in Colonia, presented tips for banking and budgeting to a group of 11 individuals in the first of two parts. Part 2 of the class will take place on June 24th at the Bank of Woodbridge in Colonia and will consist of a tour of the bank. Thank you Stephany!
