Alliance Center for Independence
ACI hosted a very informative seminar on the federal Fair Housing Act and how it applies to people with disabilities. Presentations were given by Dinorah Velez and Wanda Nieves, both from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Edward Haas, NJ Division on Civil Rights. We look forward to working with them on housing issues.
You are invited to help the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) recognize the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act!
Prior to the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, people with disabilities experienced discrimination in areas such as employment, access to public places, voting, housing, transportation, education, recreation, health care services and obtaining services.
25 years later, we have seen much progress, many people worked hard for the passage of the ADA and ACI will celebrate along with everyone the victories in helping to assure the equality of all persons with disabilities.
However, in 2015, people with disabilities still face discrimination, and many of us are unemployed and live in poverty. Thousands still live in institutions, and many more are denied access to public places, transportation, voting and health care. We have a long way to go.
25 years later and the question still remains after all the celebrations cease…what do we need to do to make the ADA something that no longer needs to be discussed?
ACI is producing a video, ADA@25 and Beyond, that reflects on this landmark civil rights law. After all the celebrations are over, we need to remember that, despite the ADA, our work continues in 2015 and beyond. We would like to hear your thoughts on the ADA, for example:
We hope that you will join us at the ACI office on Tuesday, June 9th from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to be filmed for the video. Please keep your comments to about 2 minutes.
If you are interested in being involved or have any questions, please contact Carole Tonks at ctonks@adacil.org. Inquire soon as there are limited spots available.
The University of Montana and ACI are looking for volunteers for The Safety Class, a study involving personal safety for men and women with intellectual disabilities.
In order to participate, you must meet the follow guidelines.
All participants who take part in this study will receive $60 for their time.
Register for The Safety Class study by filling out the form below!
This research study, which has the approval of The University of Montana Institutional Review Board, is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
Win 2 tickets to any upcoming concert at the Prudential Center! Raffle tickets are $20 each by cash or check (Send all checks to ACI, 629 Amboy Ave, Edison, NJ 08837. MEMO: Prudential Center Raffle). All purchases will benefit ACI.
The drawing will be held on Friday, May 22nd. The winner will be able to choose any concert held at the Prudential Center from now until the end of 2015! The concert list includes Ed Sheeran, Rush, Barry Manilow, Imagine Dragons, Shania Twain, Kevin Hart and The Who!
This Summer, The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI), is partnering with the Somerset Patriots for their Fundraising Voucher Program! When you purchase an upper box seat voucher, a portion of the proceeds will benefit ACI's recreation programs for people with disabilities.
Each voucher is just $10.00 and can be redeemed at the Patriots box office. Vouchers are good for any 2015 home game (based on availability). Visit somersetpatriots.com/schedule for the schedule.
For more information and to purchase vouchers, please contact Nybil Ghanem at 732-738-4388 ext. 121 or nghanem@adacil.org by Friday, September 11th, 2015.
20 people attended the inaugural meeting of the Middlesex County Area Chapter of People First NJ hosted at ACI on March 20th. Supported by the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD), People First NJ is an effort to involve people with disabilities to advocate on issues that affect them. ACI is proud to part of this effort.
For more information, including how to join the Middlesex Chapter of People First NJ, contact Luke or Nybil at 732-738-4388.
This past Friday, ACI hosted a vigil to honor the lives of disabled people murdered by families and caretakers. The vigil addressed violence against people with disabilities and spoke out against cultural prejudices to send a message that disability is not a justification for violence. Our lives are worth living!
