Alliance Center for Independence
8 Participants from ACI "test drive" and give their impressions on new accessible voting machines. Fred Tchang, Director of Assistive Technology Services at Advancing Opportunities facilitated the event. Thank you to Advancing Opportunities for allowing us to give our input!
ACI was honored to participate in an event marking the first anniversary of Super-storm Sandy which included recognizing the efforts of first responders and volunteers during the disaster. Governor Chris Christie spoke about the successes and sacrifices of those impacted by the storm.
Governor Christie took the time to speak with ACI Office Manager, Salma Harris who continues to struggle to rebuild after losing her home a year ago. The Governor promised to use his office to help Salma resolve the ongoing challenges her family is facing. The Governor told Salma to "hang in there" while giving her a long comforting hug. Thank you Governor Christie, Salma feels like she can breathe again.
ACI is a nonpartisan agency.
On Thursday, October 24th, ACI participated in a round table discussion on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), hosted by NJ Senator Menendez at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange. Luke Koppisch was on the panel representing ACI and equality for people with disabilities worldwide.
CRPD, an international disability treaty, is a vital framework for creating legislation and policies that would help ensure that millions of people with disabilities around the world have basic rights, open markets to American business abroad, and reestablish the US as a global leader on disability rights. It was inspired by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which served as the model for the CRPD, and values independence and respect and the concept of reasonable accommodation.
More than 700 American organizations, including disability groups, 20+ veterans' service organizations, and faith-based organizations have pledged their support to this treaty. The United States signed the CRPD in 2009, though the US Senate has failed to pass the treaty. Over 130 countries have already ratified the convention, which ensures that these nations will pass and refine laws to promote the rights of all persons with disabilities.
On November 5th and 12th, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chaired by Senator Menendez will conduct hearings on CRPD. If you would like to go: the hearings will take place at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Constitution Avenue and 1st Street, NE Washington, DC, 20002.
Want to show your support? Please visit the CRPD website and find out how you can urge Senators to vote YES on CRPD!
For more information on CRPD, visit the United Nations website at un.org.
UPDATE: This position has been filled.
Alliance Center for Independence (ACI), an organization that assists people with disabilities in Middlesex, Union and Somerset Counties, seeks a highly motivated, enthusiastic, outgoing self-starter to coordinate a school to adult life transition initiative for students and adults with disabilities.
Programs will focus on implementation of innovative functional skill-building curricula with an emphasis on self-exploration, self-advocacy, independence, community living and employment readiness. Position requires building and sustaining relationships and agreements with Special Services Administrators and positioning the agency as a vendor of services to local vocational rehabilitation offices.
Candidate must be able to:
Candidate must have a minimum bachelor's degree in special education or similar field AND 1 year of paid work experience.
Skills: Excellent communication, networking, writing, computer and internet skills, and marketing and presentation skills.
Comments: PT time hours with goal of FT hours, depending on development/success of program. Great opportunity for a committed professional to forge an expanding career path.
Detailed cover letter and resume required for application to be complete. Resumes must be emailed to ctonks@adacil.org or sent via fax to 732-738-4416. No phone calls.
The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) is recruiting Board members.
ACI was established in 1986 and is a 501(c) (3). We are a consumer and community-based, grassroots organization that supports and promotes independent living for people with disabilities in Middlesex, Union and Somerset counties in New Jersey. ACI recognizes disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.
ACI provides information and referral services, peer support, individual and self-advocacy and independent living instruction. ACI develops and implements educational programs and innovative activities that promote activism, health and wellness, emergency preparedness, housing, employment and independent living skills for people with disabilities and their allies.
ACI supports the philosophy of independent living for all persons with disabilities.
Prospective Board Members must be dedicated to our mission of promoting the full inclusion and participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of community life and the belief in the Independent Living Philosophy. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Board responsibilities include: oversight to ensure implementation of the organization’s mission with a high degree of quality and participate in the development and conducting of all fund raising activities.
If you reside in Middlesex, Somerset or Union counties and wish to be considered for Board appointments, please send a letter of interest and resume to: Carole Tonks, ACI, 629 Amboy Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837 or email ctonks@adacil.org. Please no phone calls.
A message from The Arc of New Jersey
Join us for a free webinar on November 15, 2013. Space is limited. Reserve your webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/299393721.
Beginning on January 1, 2014, there will be some changes in Medicare Part D, the federal drug benefit that is used by most dual eligibles (persons who have both Medicaid and Medicare) to obtain their prescription medications.
This webinar is for everyone who wants to know about Medicare Part D for the dual eligibles, including employees of DD provider agencies, family members, and health care professionals. The webinar will discuss the details of the changes and how they will affect individuals with developmental disabilities who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Title: Medicare Part D Changes for 2014 and Persons Who Have Both Medicare and Medicaid (The Dual Eligibles)
Date: Friday, November 15, 2013
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees: Required: Windows® 8, 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Mac®-based attendees: Required: Mac OS® X 10.6 or newer
Mobile attendees: Required: iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phone or Android tablet
The county Office on Aging and Disability Services invites active adults age 60 and above, caregivers and persons with disabilities to a free Senior Expo to learn about programs, services and benefits that are available through county and community agencies.
The Senior Expo will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, Nov. 1, at the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center, located at 202 Mt Airy Road
Basking Ridge, NJ. Representatives from over 25 nonprofits will offer information, screenings and giveaways.
Between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, Mary McGeary, director of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, will present “Health Care Reform Myths and Facts: What ‘Obama Care’ Means for Seniors and Families.”
Participants will be offered a free continental breakfast, and free blood pressure, glucose and balance screenings. Free flu vaccinations will be available to individuals who present their Medicare Part B insurance card. For all others, the cost of the vaccine will be $25, cash or check. Trained Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program volunteers will be on hand to provide free health insurance checkups and assistance with Medicare Part D analysis.
Registration is required by Friday, Oct. 25, for those who wish to have lunch. Participants will be given their choice of a grilled chicken sandwich or Portobello mushroom sandwich as an entrée.
Somerset County senior centers offer a wide range of experiences designed for lifelong enrichment in a social and uplifting atmosphere, intended to positively impact overall health. Many of these programs are funded, in part, through the Older Americans Act.
Visitors are invited to learn more about the Senior Wellness Center’s educational, recreational and entertaining activities, including wellness programs and health screenings. The center is operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services and is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
For more information or to register, contact Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services at (908) 704-6346.
