ACI is Bringing Get FIT to Edison Later This Year

The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) is bringing Get FIT to Edison with the goal of providing inclusive healthy living opportunities for people of all abilities. Get FIT which was launched in 2008 by The Family Resource Network, is a national movement of organizations all of whom are connected in the mission to increase health and wellness opportunities for people with disabilities, chronic illness and their caregivers. Get FIT provides evidence-based programs that have been tailored to meet the specific needs of people with varied ability levels. Get FIT participants have reported that they experienced an improved quality of life, increased independent living skills, improved health outcomes, increased physical activity levels, an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and a decreased risk of chronic health conditions after being in the program for 12 weeks.

For more information on Get FIT, please contact ACI or visit getfitnj.org.

Plays in the Park: Oklahoma!

On Saturday, July 18th, 2015, members of our Social Rec group attended a Plays in the Park viewing of Oklahoma! The play was set in the Old Western town of Claremore, Oklahoma in 1906, as cowboys and farmers fought for their love of a local farm girl in this romantic love story. Our consumers really enjoyed the evening as some have said that this is one of their more favorite events to attend. Thank you to everyone who came out to join us!

ACI Members Tour the Bank of Woodbridge

On June 24th, ACI presented its second part of its Banking and Budgeting workshop with a tour of the Bank of Woodbridge. Stephany Kim, the bank's branch manager, led the tour and showed the group a behind-the-scenes look at the daily functions of a bank. Thank you to Stephany and the Bank of Woodbridge for the informative tour.

Uplifting Coastal Communities: Access Alternatives Conference

ACI was proud to participate in the Uplifting Coastal Communities: Access Alternatives conference sponsored by FEMA. The conference highlighted the need to plan for access to coastal homes at all stages of life by creating sustainable, accessible and livable communities.

The event featured a keynote by John A. Miller, P.E., CFM, CSM, New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management Legislative Committee Chair, followed by two panels of experts and community champions working toward creating accessible coastal communities.

Coming Soon! ACI and Partners to Bring AXIS Dance Company to NJ

ACI is proud to be a community partner with the Clement A. Price Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience at Rutgers University on a grant to bring AXIS to New Jersey. Tickets are on sale now for their NJPAC performance on November 17th. Look for details on a upcoming dance class in Middlesex County.

Paving the way for physically integrated dance, each year AXIS shares its cutting-edge artistic and education/outreach work with thousands all over the world.

AXIS exists to change the face of dance and disability. Founded in 1987, AXIS emerged at a time when the Disabilities Rights and Independent Living Movement were making strides and the dance community was beginning to open its doors to people with disabilities.  With more than 75 works in its repertory, AXIS has toured major dance venues and festivals in more than 100 cities nationwide, Europe and the Soviet Union.

For more information, please visit: axisdance.org

Karaoke & Kerfuffle Game Night

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.

1Touch Self-Defense Workshop for the People with Disabilities

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.