Over the summer, ACI offered a 5-week series of integrated belly dance classes. These beginner classes were taught under the guidance of performer, teacher and choreographer, Farasha. The classes Influenced by the Middle Eastern form of the dance, focused primarily on seated moves that incorporated upper-body and arm movements accented by articulations of the hips and waist. We hope to offer the classes again in the future!
New Job Opportunity at ACI: Information and Referral Coordinator
The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI), a community-based grass-roots non-profit 501 (c)(3) disability organization located in Edison, NJ, is seeking a full-time (35 hour per week) Information and Referral Coordinator/Social Recreation Event Planner.
Job Description: Responds to requests for information on disability related issues; provides referrals to other organizations and services, organize social and recreation activities, conduct presentations and manning exhibit table at events, and other duties assigned by supervisor.
This position also involves facilitating monthly advocacy and peer groups for adults.
ACI is one of 11 Centers for Independent Living in New Jersey that supports and promotes independent living for people with disabilities in Middlesex, Union and Somerset counties in New Jersey.
Requirements:
- Have at least one to two years paid work experience in the disability field.
- Possess solid writing and verbal communication skills.
- Have valid driver's license. Travel to Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties required.
- Be able to work some weekends and nights.
- Proficient with computers.
- Ability to define problems, and collect and interpret complex information.
- Other helpful qualities: the ability to multitask, work as a team, take initiative and think under pressure.
Salary: $25,000 to $30,000.
ACI is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring staff which reflects the diversity of our community. Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Strong candidates please submit a resume, including three references, to:
Luke Koppisch, Deputy Director
Alliance Center for Independence
629 Amboy Ave. Edison, NJ 088837
lkoppisch@adacil.org
No phone calls please.
NJ Self-Advocacy Project Completes ACI's Adaptive Yoga Class
Last month, ACI presented a class on adaptive yoga to 25 members of the NJ Self-Advocacy Project at the municipal building in North Brunswick. Adaptive yoga has all the benefits of traditional yoga, but is adapted and modified to accommodate various disabilities and experience levels. Interested in adaptive yoga for your group or organization? Let us know!
Laughter Yoga Certification Training
Congratulation to ACI staff member Nybil Ghanem, who recently completed a certification course on Laughter Yoga taught by laughter therapy teacher, Beverly Burns. Laughter Yoga is a recognized form of Hasya Yoga under The American Yoga Association. Laughing can actually boost positive levels of "feel good" hormones within one's body, through "playful laughter" not only through joke. The class also focused on deep breathing of inhaling and exhaling while engaging in this fun activity!
Thank YOU for Making the NJ Disability Pride Parade & Celebration 2015 a Success!
More than 700 people attended the 5th Annual NJ Disability Pride Parade, hosted by the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) this past Friday, October 9th. The event featured some new artists to the venue including Lachi, Andrew Bambridge, Corevalay, AttachAvi Bollywood Dancers and Mana Hashimoto.
Also featured at the event was bubble artist Eddy Miller, a photo booth, food trucks, giveaways and raffles. The NJ Division of Disability Services raffled off emergency preparedness bags and a flash mob organized by Roll Call Wheelchair Dance got the crowd up dancing.
This Friday, October 9th is the 5th Annual NJ Disability Pride Parade & Celebration!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Carole Tonks, Executive Director, Alliance
Center for Independence Phone: (732) 738-4388 / E-mail: ctonks@adacil.org
Website: www.adacil.org
THE 5th ANNUAL NEW JERSEY DISABILITY PRIDE PARADE & CELEBRATION SET FOR OCTOBER 9th IN TRENTON, NJ Trenton, NJ (please note: this event was previously scheduled for October 2nd)
October also marks the first ever Disability Pride Month in New Jersey.
More than 600 people with disabilities, supporters, friends and organizations representing a wide variety of services throughout NJ will be converge in downtown Trenton for the NJ Disability Pride Parade and Celebration. The event will feature a variety of entertainers, all of whom have disabilities. These include folk musician Johnny Crescendo, singer, Mano Hashimoto, a blind dancer and choreographer who has performed internationally and recording artist Lachi. Drummer and dancer Sidiki Conte, from Guinea, West Africa will bring his brand of music to the event as will crowd favorite, Exceptional Dance Team, a troupe made up entirely of children with autism, will be returning for a third year.
POSTPONED: The NJ Disability Pride Parade and Celebration 2015 will be on Friday, October 9th
Due to pending Hurricane Joaquin, we made the decision to POSTPONE the parade. NEW DATE: Friday, October 9th. Same time, same place.
We appreciate your understanding and support and look forward to you joining us next on the 9th! We anticipate a great event...with lots of sunshine!!
Check our website and Facebook page for updates.
Plan on joining us? Let us know by registering!