Welcome ACI's newest Board of Trustee Members!

ACI would be like extend a warm welcome to our new Board of Trustee members, Joy Cutrone and Robin Read-Giase! Robin and Joy will serve a 3 year term beginning in November. We look forward to their fresh perspective and feel they will be wonderful addition to the organization.

 

"I have watched the growth of this agency for almost 5 years and have supported the many efforts of developing more programs in helping people." - Joy Cutrone

“I have been searching for an organization committed to affecting positive change for our community as it struggles to embrace individuals of diverse challenges, needs and talents. I think ACI may be that place.” - Robin Read-Giase

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ACI is always looking for new members to serve on our Board of Trustees. Prospective Board Members must be dedicated to our mission of promoting the participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of community life and supports the philosophy of independent living for all individuals with disabilities.

KK Dental Offering Dental Care Discounts to ACI Supporters

KK Dental is now offering its full range of services to ACI supporters and their families at discounted rates! In a newly formed partnership with ACI, anyone who becomes a supporter of ACI and their families can save on dental care provided at one of the three KK Dental branches, located in Middlesex and Somerset counties. All offices are accessible.

Contact ACI for more information about this program.

Montclair University holds Focus Group on Food Accessibility

On August 15th, ACI held a focus group that explored how people with disabilities obtain food and the obstacles many of us face in maintaining a healthy diet. The group was facilitated by Elaine Gerber, Professor of Anthropology at Montclair University.

Basic Computer Skills Workshops for People with Disabilities

ACI recently sponsored a two part workshop on basic computer skills. The course was taught by computer programmer, AnneMarie Torres, and included instruction on Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Thank you AnneMarie!

Help us spread the word about #NJDPP!

The 4th Annual NJ Disability Pride Parade and Celebration is only three weeks away! Help us get the word out to your constituents. We are asking for all organizations and agencies to put the following in your newsletters and social network pages:
 

The 4th New Jersey Disability Pride Parade and Celebration, sponsored by the Alliance Center for Independence, will take place on Friday, October 3rd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in downtown Trenton, NJ. The purpose of the event is to bring people, organizations and businesses together to celebrate pride with the disability community and to promote the belief that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity while generating national awareness for the disability community.

The NJ Disability Pride Parade and Celebration will feature entertainers, singers, dancers, musicians and comics, all with disabilities. The day will also include a parade through downtown Trenton, face painting, t-shirts, exhibitors and giveaways!

For more information, including exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, please visit njdisabilitypride.com.

If you have any questions, send an email to njdisabilitypride@adacil.org or contact Carole or Luke at ACI.

PNC Bank Conducts Seminar on Financial Literacy

As part of our Independent Living Skills program, ACI offered a very informative workshop on banking, including opening an account, how to save, avoiding debt, and wise use of credit cards. The workshop, conducted by Yolanda Sweeny, Vice President-Community Consultant at PNC Bank, took place on August 20th.

Emergency Preparedness Overnight Exercise for People with Disabilities

On August 22nd and 23rd, over 100 volunteers and individuals with disabilities took part in the ACI sponsored Emergency Preparedness Overnight Exercise. This event, the first ever in NJ and 2nd in the country, took place in Piscataway at the Livingston Recreation Center of Rutgers University.

ACI partnered with FEMA, Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the American Red Cross and Rutgers University to simulate an emergency shelter experience.   This event assisted in an ongoing effort to improve the ability to provide service and support to individuals with disabilities during disasters. ACI would like to thank all of the stakeholders, volunteers and participants who took part in this important event.  
 

"The importance of emergency and disaster preparedness, particularly for people with disabilities cannot be overstated.  People with disabilities have often been an afterthought during a disaster.  We are trying to change that and hope to have this exercise replicated throughout the state." - Carole Tonks, ACI Executive Director

Be sure to read the Edison Sentinel article on the event!

If you are interested in disaster training in your area, please contact Carole Tonks at 732-738-4388 ext. 118 or ctonks@adacil.org.