Alliance Center for Independence
Last Thursday night on June 18th, 2015, ACI's Social Recreation Program held a "Karaoke & Kerfuffle Game Night" where consumers joined us for a musical night of singing songs! Thank you to everyone who came out! Stay tuned for future karaoke nights and other Social Rec events on our Upcoming Events page.
ACI members learned how to defend themselves in an introductory 1Touch Self Defense workshop. Taught by Trisha Ebel, 1Touch uses techniques people with disabilities can employ to fend off attackers. Contact ACI about how you can take a full 1Touch course planned for the fall.
ACI recently completed a 5-session class on adaptive yoga at Highland Park Senior Center. Participants received certificates upon completion. Adaptive yoga was developed in order for people with physical disabilities to enjoy the same health benefits as traditional yoga.
For more information about how ACI can bring adaptive yoga to your school or organization, please contact us. Luke and Carole are certified LVCY Get Fit Where You Sit instructors.
On June 17th, ACI hosted a workshop designed to help participants make better financial decisions. Stephany Kim, Branch Manager of the Bank of Woodbridge, in Colonia, presented tips for banking and budgeting to a group of 11 individuals in the first of two parts. Part 2 of the class will take place on June 24th at the Bank of Woodbridge in Colonia and will consist of a tour of the bank. Thank you Stephany!
On June 8th, ACI hosted the first Core Advisory Group (CAG) in New Jersey. Individuals with disabilities, FEMA, the Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and interested organizations met to discuss the unequal treatment people with disabilities receive in disasters.
The intention of the Core Advisory Group (CAG) is to meet on a monthly basis and partner on solutions and recommendations for people with disabilities to be better prepared and respond to disasters. This is a great opportunity to make effective changes in how emergency services are provided in the event of a disaster. If you are a Middlesex County resident and would like to get involved, contact Carole at ctonks@adacil.org.
Beverly Burns, Director of Prevention Education at Advancing Opportunities/CP of NJ presented a workshop on Drug and Alcohol prevention. After the class, Beverly led the group in a unique exercise routine called Laughter Yoga. Laughter Yoga combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing (Pranayama) which brings in more oxygen to the body and brain making one feel more energetic and healthy. Thanks Beverly for the laughs!
As part of our Health and Wellness Program, Carole Tonks and Salma Harris provided 20 minute Reiki sessions to ACI members. Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that allows everyone to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve health and enhance the quality of life.
