The Game is Afoot! Board Game Night

The games are over, the boards are put away, but fun was had by all at our recent Board Game Night! Participants taught each other different card games and learned about each other along the way. The mix of answers and laughter from the Taboo table filled the room, accented by the call of UNO and the crash of Jenga blocks hitting the table. If you want to attend any of ACI's future events or would like more information, please contact CJ Dodge at cdodge@adacil.org, call 732-738-4388, or check out our upcoming events page.

NJGAINED Meets at ACI to Discuss Disaster Preparedness

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On Monday, April 18th, ACI hosted the monthly meeting of NJ Group for Access and Integration Needs in Emergencies and Disasters (NJGAINED). On the state level, NJGAINED works on issues affecting people with disabilities and those with access and functional needs before, during and after an emergency disaster. Following the NJGAINED meeting, ACI held its monthly Middlesex County Core Advisory Group (CAG) meeting. With the support of FEMA, CAG is an effort to involve people with disabilities and independent living centers in emergency preparedness. If you would like to be part of Middlesex CAG or would like assistance establishing a CAG in your county, contact ACI at 732-738-4388 or ctonks@adacil.org.

SHARES Task Force Conference

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On Wednesday, April 13th, 2016, Middlesex L.E.A.D.S., a collaborative of the Middlesex County Center for Empowerment and the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI), came together at The Law Center of New Jersey to present a message of pride at this year's SHARES (Sexuality, Health, Awareness, Rights, Education and Safety) Task Force Conference.

Panelists CJ Dodge from ACI; Ashley Gaunt from Planned Parenthood; along with moderators; Melissa Keyes DiGioia from Finding Your Individuality and Monica Avisado from ACI and Middlesex County Center for Empowerment all took the stage and shared their life experiences and opinions about how important disability and LGBTQ pride is to the community. 21 Task Force Conference attendees joined the panelist and enthusiastically participated. All present came to the conclusion that organizations that serve individuals with disabilities and the LGBTQ community have a lot in common with their advocacy efforts and should continue to work together to realize the common goal of equality, empowerment, and pride!

33rd Annual Career Options Day

ACI is proud to have been part of the 33rd Annual Career Options Day, held at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Center's Fitness and Conference Center in Edison on April 15th. This event is an opportunity for people with disabilities and the general public to learn about job openings as well employment preparation services. Career Options Day is sponsored by JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute and Interface, JFK Vocational Rehabilitation Department's Business Advisory Board.

Ribbon Cutting Marks the Installation of Audio Crosswalks in Fords

On April 13th, ACI staff, volunteers, board members and supporters were joined by Woodbridge Township Mayor, John McCormac, Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald Rios, and Freeholders Charles Kenny and Charles and Tamaro to officially unveil the audio crosswalk signals along Amboy Ave. in Fords. A total of 12 audio signals were installed. Argenys Caba, ACI's office administrator, advocated for the signals, which will allow people with disabilities, seniors, students at the local school, and other pedestrians cross the streets safely and independently. Congratulations Argenys!

Support Disability Programs by Contributing to ACI's Spring Fundraiser!

Are you one of the people who…

Attended the NJ Disability Pride Parade with 700 others from across the state?
Learned how to dance with a nationally known dance group?
Got a job with our help?
Experienced an overnight emergency shelter simulation?
Joined us in a peaceful demonstration against Professor Peter Singer?
Participated in one of the many workshops and programs that ACI offers?

If so, you know that ACI offers many innovative programs free of charge, to people with disabilities and their families in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties. Help us continue these programs by contributing to ACI’s Spring Fundraiser! The goal is to raise $50,000. Your contribution is a vital part of our continued programs. ACI is committed to the equality of all people with disabilities. Help us reach our goal by donating today!

ACI is a non-profit, community-based, grassroots organization that supports and promotes independent living and equality for people with disabilities. ACI’s 5 core services include Information and Referral, Advocacy, Peer Support, Transition and Independent Living Skills. Our other initiatives include: work readiness programs, activities promoting activism, health and wellness, emergency preparedness, recreation and our volunteer office skills program.