NJ Considers Expansion of Casinos to Increase Casino Revenue Fund

Casino gaming and its expansion into northern New Jersey continues to raise questions from all corners of the state, with considerable discussion about the billions in private investment, thousands of jobs, and hundred of millions in state revenues. While these components are crucial, one issue that has not been discussed often enough is the impact gaming expansion would have in terms of aid to New Jersey's disabled and senior communities.

The Casino Revenue Fund (CRF), which as the name suggests receives funds from the tax revenues gained from New Jersey casinos, has a constitutional mission of directing valuable funding to programs that support low-income seniors and disabled residents.

As gaming revenue continues its declining trend, these necessary programs are put under increased financial stress. Paired with an increase in demand, the mission of the CRF and the vital services it provides, which assist individuals with disabilities and seniors who want to live independently in New Jersey, are being put into great danger.

Disability Organizations Come Together to Protest Princeton University Professor

Thank you to organizations from NJ, PA and NY for participating in the Peter Singer Demonstration at Princeton University!!

More than 70 people with disabilities, parents, family members and service providers gathered together to protest Singer's most recent statements on the Aaron Klein Investigative Radio show. Singer believes in the euthanizing of disabled babies.

Prior to the demonstration, a coalition of 30 groups sent a letter to all of the Princeton Trustees with a list of our demands: Princeton should call for Singer’s resignation, Princeton should publicly denounce Singer’s comments, Princeton should hire a bioethicist from the disability community in a comparable position to provide a platform for views that contrast to his.

ACI and People First Teach Advocacy Skills to NJ Students

On June 5th, students and teachers from Colonia High School attended a workshop on developing advocacy skills, presented by ACI and People First New Jersey. People First is an effort by the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) to engage people with disabilities throughout the state on advocating on issues important to them. ACI is working with advocates to establish a People First New Jersey chapter in Middlesex County.

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Workshop.

Woodbridge Garden Club Shows ACI Members How to Grow Basil

On Wednesday June 10th, 2015, ACI's Social Recreation Program held a Basil Bowl Potting Class, facilitated by Jean Gall of the Woodbridge Garden Club. Participants had a very hands-on approach to growing basil and learned some interesting basil facts, such as their ability to grow up to 51 inches in height. They also learned the many different varieties, using red worms to improve soil quality and kitchen composting. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Social Rec, Workshop.

ACI's Social Rec Group Visits George Street Playhouse

Last month, ACI's Social Recreation Group enjoyed a wonderful theatrical viewing at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick. Over a dozen ACI consumers joined us as they watched Ernest Shackleton Loves Me, which was about the never give up attitude of a devoted single mom in present-day New York City, as she fought to survive insomnia all while falling in love with 19th century time traveler Ernest Shackleton, as he and his crew fight to stay alive on a mission to cold Antarctica!

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Social Rec.

Thank You Rutgers University Interns!

ACI would like to take a moment to thank our interns from Rutgers University who put together several workshops for people with disabilities.

Interns Jinal Patel and Kassandra Soldevilla conducted a series of Zumba and Tai Chi classes during April and May. The classes were provided free of charge to our members as part of ACI's health and wellness program.

We would also like to thank intern Domanique Davison, who presented a workshop on positive thinking and stress management. Participants at her class learned about methods on reducing stress at work and maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Workshop.

Workshop on People with Disabilities during the Holocaust

This past spring, ACI hosted a presentation and round table discussion about what people with disabilities went through during the Holocaust. Paul B. Winkler, Executive Director, NJ Commission on Holocaust Education, spoke about how we must work together to end hatred and discrimination.

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Workshop.