ACI just got a new video phone (VRS) system! Deaf and hard of hearing customers can call Suzy Bartose, our deaf outreach coordinator, at 732-709-1023 if you need assistance.
Thank You for Making the NJ Disability Pride Parade a Success in 2014!
Five hundred people from throughout NJ and neighboring states attended the 4th annual NEW JERSEY DISABILITY PRIDE PARADE & CELEBRATION on Friday, October 3rd, in Trenton, NJ. The event was once again organized by the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI).
NJDPP featured a variety of entertainers, all of whom have disabilities. These included R&B singer Naquela Wright, singer and Hollywood actress Rachel Handler, vocalist Kaleigh Brendle, comedian Damon Rozier, Joy's Exceptional Dancers, a dance troupe made up of children with autism, Shimmying Lotus an integrated modern belly dance troupe, hip-hop dancer Christina "C-Bunny" Sarni and the Arc Mercer's music and drama programs.
Patrice Jetter, the grand marshal, kicked off the event by leading the parade, which began at the steps of the NJ State House. As part of the parade, the Mercer County Special Services School District's drum line performed while they marched alongside other participants. Ryan Henry, a member of the drum line, sang the national anthem to open the celebration portion of the day.
As a tribute to veterans with disabilities, the Army National Guard, based out of Lawrenceville, displayed flags which represented all the branches of the US Armed Forces.
Joseph Amoroso, director of the NJ Division on Disability Services, and Alice Hunnicutt, director of the NJ Division of Rehabilitation Services, were both honored for their support of the NJDPP and ACI.
22 exhibitors representing various state, for profit and not for profit organizations, gave out literature and resources for the event participants. The NJ Division of Disability Services raffled off emergency "go kits" at their emergency preparedness pavilion.
The purpose of the New Jersey Disability Pride Parade 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.
NJDPP relies solely on sponsorship, donations and in-kind services. This year's sponsors include Brownstone Diner & Pancake Factory in Jersey City, the NJ Division on Disability Services, Fun Truck'n Mobility, BCB Community Bank of Woodbridge, LifeLong Retirement Corp, Community Access Unlimited, the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities and Easter Seals.
ACI is proud to have organized and hosted NJDPP for the past 4 years. We would like to thank the all of the volunteers, sponsors, donors, performers, participants and the disability community for making this event a continuing success and showing the world what disability pride really is!
See you next year!
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
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.
