As we quickly approach a new year, ACI would like to ask our wonderful consumers for valuable input on some of the upcoming events in 2015! Please kindly check off which events you prefer in the list below!
ACI awarded grants from PSE&G and OVW
ACI was awarded a grant from PSE&G to continue our ongoing workshops on disaster preparedness. Our first workshop will be held at the Arc of Union County. If you would like to schedule a workshop, please contact ACI. Many thanks to PSE&G for supporting our efforts to prepare people with disabilities for emergencies.
ACI and their partner, the Middlesex County Center for Empowerment (formerly the Rape Crisis Intervention Center), were awarded a 3-year federal grant from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to offer training and services on ending violence against women with disabilities. We are excited to continue working on this important issue and look forward to collaborating on this project.
We've expanded our office space!
We are excited to finally acquire a new and much needed conference room! This conference room will be able to accommodate our expanding programs and workshops. We also have a small kitchenette which will be used to teach independent living skills.
During this time of giving, we ask that you consider purchasing items that we still need from our Amazon Wish List. Your contributions will be greatly appreciated!
We are also happy to make the new conference room available to nearby organizations for a small fee. Please contact Carole Tonks for information.
ACI Provides Power Wheelchair for Sandy Victim, Gail Johnson
Gail Johnson is one of the many people with disabilities affected by Superstorm Sandy. Johnson, an elderly woman, has a disability which severely limits her mobility. As a result, she requires a wheelchair to get around her home.
Johnson was given a manual wheelchair in February of 2014. Because of her disability it was still difficult for her to maneuver and enjoy the benefits of independent living. Through the collaborative efforts of the Visitation Relief Center (VRC), Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) and Catholic Charities Disaster Response Program, Gail has received a power wheelchair.
The wheelchair, which has a 22-inch seat and adjustable arms, was obtained by Susan Pniewski, ACI Sandy Relief Project Director, one of VRC’s many partners. The power chair was transported to Johnson’s home in a box truck, which had been contracted through Catholic Charities Disaster Response Program. It was delivered to Johnson on Thursday, October 30, 2014.
“The wheelchair will improve her mobility, moving in and out of her home,” Pniewski said. “The [adjustable] arms moving out of the way will make it much easier for her to transfer.”
Pniewski said that ACI will also be awarding Johnson a $2,000 grant towards a platform lift for her home during the rebuilding process. She said that ACI will be awarding these grants to storm-affected members of the community who have disabilities, and that they will continue to offer free replacement of medical equipment.
Pniewski said that Johnson told her in a phone conversation that this was the first time someone told her “I’m going to help you.” When she first saw the power wheelchair, Johnson said, “It’s beautiful!"
We would like to thank The Robin Hood Foundation, Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund and ACI Sandy Relief Project Director, Sue Pniewski for making this possible!
Free Durable Medical Equipment provided by the ACI Sandy Relief Project
ACI offers FREE replacement durable medical equipment including: manual wheelchairs, standard hospital beds, commodes, walkers, canes, crutches, transfer benches and shower chairs. Subject to availability. All equipment is gently used and clean. We offer no warranty.
We also gladly accept donations of used equipment. Please call to make sure we have the ability to receive the equipment. Please note: We prefer that donations be dropped off and equipment picked up at Visitation Relief Center in Brick where we have storage. Transportation for small pieces of equipment may be arranged locally but this is limited.
To request equipment or arrange for a donation, please contact Sue Pniewski, ACI Sandy Relief Project Director, at 732-754-5023 or spniewski@adacil.org.
Funding provided by the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.
You Can Now Contact ACI with VRS!
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!
