On March 1st 2016, people across the nation gathered to remember disabled victims of filicide (disabled people murdered by their family members or caregivers). We came together for ACI's second vigil to mourn our brothers and sisters and to bring awareness to these horrible tragedies. Thank you to everyone who joined us this evening and shared your thoughts and prayers.
Recently, ACI recognized Black History Month by hosting a presentation by Ronald Copeland, a local civil rights activist who worked to end segregation and discrimination in Somerset County during the 1960's and early 70's. The 25 people who attended also heard from Eulanda Brooks, ACI Independent Living Specialist, who related her experiences as a student protester and encounters with police during the 1967 riots in Detroit. Ethan Ellis, former Executive Director of the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities, also spoke about the disability rights movement and the significant role he played in it. Thank you to all three speakers for their informative and inspiring presentations!
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 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 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.
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.
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!
