An Open Letter to Members of the Princeton University Board of Trustees

This letter is an urgent request for your assistance. We are writing to you as members of the disability community in New Jersey and nearby states, including people with disabilities, parents and family members, professionals and service providers.

Recently, Professor Peter Singer of Princeton University was interviewed on the “Aaron Klein Investigative Radio” Show. The National Council on Disability, which is appointed by and advises the President of the United States on matters of disability policy, issued a press release (http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/04232015) expressing profound outrage about Singer’s statements...

Posted on June 3, 2015 .

NJTIP Teaches Students with Disabilities How to Travel Independently

10 people, including students from Edison High School, learned about traveling independently using NJ Transit buses and trains at a workshop conducted by the NJ Travel Independence Program (NJTIP). Thank you to Louis Hoffman of NJTIP for his informative presentation.

For more information on NJTIP, please click visit the Rutgers University website.

Posted on May 26, 2015 and filed under Workshop.

HUD and NJ Division on Civil Rights Educate People with Disabilities on Housing Rights

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.

Posted on May 15, 2015 and filed under Workshop, Housing.

ACI is making a video about the ADA and needs your help!

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:

  • Is the ADA working?
  • What still needs to be done?
  • How do we achieve better compliance?
  • Where do we go from here?

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.

Posted on May 6, 2015 .

Volunteers Needed for Research Study on Personal Safety

The Safety Project

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.

  • You are at least 18 years old
  • Your disability started before age 18
  • Your disability makes a difference in how you learn, or understand, or live on your own without any help

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.

Posted on April 30, 2015 .

Prudential Center Concert Raffle

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!

Posted on April 24, 2015 and filed under Donate.