Alliance Center for Independence
On February 27th, 20 members (and staff) of the NJ Self Advocacy Project participated in an adaptive yoga class, taught by Carole and Luke, LVCY Certified Yoga Instructors. Everyone had a great time while relieving stress. Thank you to ARC of Union and to Ashley Ritchey of the NJ Self Advocacy Projecting for hosting.
ACI recently held a meeting with our Middlesex County Advocacy Group. It was a very active discussion, as we like to encourage not just words, but action.
Topics that were discussed were updates on new regulations on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); the International Convention on The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD); recent ACI advocacy efforts that included new Wells Fargo installations of accessible bank check table and ramp and a Subway restaurant installing a Big Bell Notification System with a temporary ramp; various future political meetings, as well as individual assignments of consumer advocacy input for the next April's meeting.
Congratulations to students at Edison High School who completed Tier 1: Planning for Adult Life, which is part of our It's All About Work program. Students have been working with ACI since November and today we recognized the efforts and hard work with certificates.
Thank you to NJDVRS representatives, Peter Ruffini and Jamie Chrzan, who spoke about their services and how they assist people with disabilities after graduation.
Once again, ACI's Social Recreation Program had another successful event!
This past Friday Night, we had a 'lovely' event titled Cupid's Corner. 15 people joined us for designing Valentine's Day cards, prizes, heart-themed art and decorations, along with plenty of chocolate fondue and music throughout the night...
ACI is pleased to announce that our Deputy Director, Luke Koppisch, will be representing ACI on the Interface Advisory Board at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison.
The board is made up of representatives from non-profit organizations, state agencies and local businesses who are interested in seeking ways to increase employment among people with disabilities. Presently, the board is planning for the 31st Annual Career Options Day to be held on April 4th, 2014 at the JFK Conference and Fitness Center.
Thanks to the help of ACI, the Wells Fargo Bank in South Plainfield, NJ recently installed ramps and lowered its check writing table to accommodate wheelchair users. Nybil Ghanem of ACI worked with the bank to make this change.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation, through the generous support of the Kessler Foundation, is offering a FREE workshop for high school students with mobility disabilities in July 2014.
This four-day summer experience will help make college-bound students with mobility disabilities ready for their futures in the competitive worlds of college admissions and employment.
Throughout the week, participants will be immersed in business simulation games, hear from college admissions officials, develop a plan for optimal high school outcomes, and earn credentials that will help build their résumés. In addition, and for the comfort of our participants, a semi-private stretching area will be available each day.
For more details, including how to register, please visit learndoearn.org.
