Disability Voter Registration Day

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As part of our Disability Voter Registration Day, ACI and REV UP NJ recently conducted a workshop on voter rights to participants at the Mount Bethel Village Day Program in Warren, Somerset County. 50 individuals learned about the process of voting, their rights as voters with disabilities and the 2016 presidential election. REV UP NJ voting t-shirts and buttons were given out as a reminder of the importance of the disability vote!

Voting education and registration activities of REV UP NJ and ACI are strictly non-partisan and are made possible through a grant from the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities.

World Renowned Origami Artists Hold Workshop at ACI

ACI welcomed internationally known origami instructors, Laura “Lauragami” Kruskal and Karen Reeds, for a night of folding fun! Participants followed Laura and Karen’s lead in making an origami dinner place holder, a letter folded into its own envelope, and a crown with the phrase “Love, Peace, Disability Pride” on it. The night was enhanced with Laura’s stories of her life traveling and teaching origami as well as a lively sing-a-long of the “International Origami Anthem” accompanied by Laura playing the harmonica.

REV UP Prepares for National Voter Registration Day

On September 8th, the REV UP voting campaign held a National Organizing Call in preparation for the upcoming National Voter Registration Day. You can access a recording of the call by clicking here.

Bob Kafka from REV UP Texas and Carole Tonks from REV UP New Jersey gave some great examples of how they are organizing in their states. They also shared some other ideas and resources for participating in National Voter Registration Day on September 27th.

For more info on National Voter Registration Day, please visit: nationalvoterregistrationday.org

Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling Visits ACI

Thank you to Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, 11th district, for visiting ACI on Friday, September 16th. The Assemblyman spent the morning with us learning about our programs, talking with our staff and volunteers. We shared with the Assemblyman our concerns about access to voting, employment and the role of Centers for Independent Living. Thank you Assembly Houghtaling and his Legislative Aide, Francine Glaser. We look forward to working with his office.

ACI Volunteer Cookout

A very special thank you to our ACI volunteers and Eulanda Brooks, Independent Living Specialist for the end of summer cookout. ACI volunteers have been learning about shopping and food preparation. This was a result of their hard work and it was delicious!

The 2016 Presidential Candidate Questionnaire

The American Association of People with Disabilities, the National Council on Independent Living, and the REV UP Campaign are pleased to release the 2016 Presidential Candidate Questionnaire below. These questions have been sent to all of the current presidential candidates. Their responses will be shared publicly once received.

Help us encourage all of the campaigns to complete the 2016 Presidential Candidate Questionnaire! Details can be found at: http://www.aapd.com/our-focus/voting/2016-election/presidential-candidate-questionnaire

Workshop on Health & Fitness for People with Disabilities

Thank you Gianna Marchesi, Program Assistant and Harry Pizutelli, Administrator of Assistance Programs/TBI Fund Manager at New Jersey Division of Disability Services for the fun and informative workshop on Health & Fitness for People with Disabilities. Everyone had a great time!