VIDEO AND SURVEY RESULTS: Overnight Emergency Shelter Simulation in Somerset County

In November of 2015, ACI partnered with the Somerset County Office of Emergency Management to conduct a second Overnight Emergency Shelter Simulation at the Hillsborough Municipal Complex. Fifty people with disabilities, as well as emergency personnel, CERT members and volunteers from Somerset County took part in the event.

The purpose of the exercise is to familiarize members of the disabled community with an overnight shelter experience. At the same time, providing emergency managers and volunteers an opportunity to better assist the needs of individuals with disabilities in a general population shelter during a disaster. Individuals with disabilities filled out a survey prior to leaving. For results of the survey, please click here to download the survey results booklet.

We would like to thank PSEG for attending the event and providing funding to make this exercise possible!

ACI Partners with NJ Devils for Fundraiser

This past February, ACI partnered with the NJ Devils and Prudential Center to host a second fundraiser for ACI members and friends. We would like to thank the Devils for their continuing support of ACI as well as everyone who came out for an exciting game of hockey!

Fashion on a Budget Workshop

Thank you Joy Cutrone, former Mrs Petite NJ and Cheryl Brennan, Essential Bodywear, for the fun workshop on affordable fashion. Participants learned how to mix and match outfits among other fashion tips. Everyone had a great time!

Workshop on Developing Job Interview Skills

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Thank you to Peter Koppisch for his informative and entertaining workshop on developing solid Interview skills, which took place on February 24th. Peter is assistant vice president at William H. Connolly & Co. in Montclair, NJ.

Men's Health Workshop Presented by Amerigroup

On January 25th, ACI's Men's Peer Support Group hosted a workshop on Men's Health, presented by Amerigroup. Stephanie Paneca-Navarro, Health Educator at Amerigroup, spoke about the effects of smoking and the steps men can take to maintain a healthy life style as they age. ACI appreciates Amerigroup's support for our health and wellness programs. Thank you Stephanie!

ACI Remembers Disabled Filicide Victims During Nationwide Day of Mourning

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.

ACI Recognizes Black History Month with Lecture on Civil Rights

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!