ACI was invited to participate in a round table discussion entitled Strengthening our Mental Health System Across the Full Continuum of Care. The discussion was convened by Representative Frank Pallone Jr., who represents Middlesex and Monmouth counties in the US Congress. The event, which took place on February 8th, will serve as an opportunity to discuss New Jersey’s mental health system and the reforms needed to improve services for individuals with from mental health concerns.
ACI Becomes a NJ Partner for REV UP Campaign
ACI has teamed up with Bob Kafka and the Texas Disability Project to become a NJ partner in the REV UP Campaign (Register, Educate, Vote, Use our Power)! The campaign is designed to get more people with disabilities and our supporters registered and voting!
We cannot rest on our past victories. We must build on the past and move forward using the power we have acquired. This power can be exerted by Making the DISABILITY VOTE Count! Policymakers are influenced by large numbers of people turning out to vote in the primaries and the general elections. Together we have the power to change our communities!
More than at any time in memory: Issues important to people with disabilities must be part of any candidate’s platform running for public office.
To Vote: First you must Register. Get Educated on the issues.
Then most important you must Vote.
USE YOUR POWER! Together We Can Make a Difference!" - Bob Kafka, ADAPT
Join thousands of New Jerseyites with disabilities, family members and our supporters in this important historic election! Join us in the REV UP Campaign of New Jersey!
For info contact Carole Tonks at ctonks@adacil.org.
ACI's New I&R Specialist and Social Rec Coordinator: CJ Dodge
ACI is pleased to welcome the latest addition to our team, CJ Dodge! CJ will be primarily responsible for ACI's Information and Referral services as well as organizing Social Recreation activities. CJ comes to us with a variety of experiences, including teaching. CJ was also the Grand Marshal at the 5th annual NJ Disability Pride Parade this past October. CJ can be reached at cjdodge@adacil.org or 732-738-4388.
Volunteer Needed: Crochet Teacher
Calling all crocheters! Can you devote up to 2 hours a month teaching crochet? ACI is once again organizing a Crochet Club and we are looking for a volunteer to help teach basic crotchet skills. Interested in helping out with one of our most popular groups? Contact Salma Harris, Volunteer Coordinator, at sharris@adacil.org with more details.
Middlesex County Installs Accessible Audio Crosswalks in Fords
As a result of ACI's advocacy efforts, Middlesex County recently installed 12 accessible audio crosswalk signals on intersections along Amboy Ave, near King George Post Road in Fords, NJ. The new signals allow people with visual impairments and other disabilities to cross the busy streets safely and more independently. Congratulations to Argenys Caba for spearheading this successful effort!
Woodbridge Toastmasters Club Showcases the Value of Public Speaking
On January 28th, ACI hosted a workshop on public speaking, presented by Woodbridge Toastmasters Club. 12 participants learned about the value of public speaking and the skills needed to be an effective speaker in any situation. Thank you to Stephanie Miller and Paul Danielczyk, ACB, of the Woodbridge Toastmasters for the informative presentation!
We are planning on forming a chapter of Toastmasters. For more information, please contact ACI.
Safety Project Completion
Recently, 7 individuals completed an 8 week course on safety and abuse prevention. The classes, conducted by ACI staff, are part of a large nation-wide study to increase the safety knowledge and skills of people with intellectual disabilities conducted by the University of Montana. ACI is one of only 13 independent living centers selected throughout the country to partner with the University on this project.
