ACI would like to thank the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired's recent donation of new computer equipment and software! The donation included updated JAWS software, a desktop Enhanced Vision magnifier, a Dell desktop computer and an Apple iPad. The new equipment and software will allow us to expand our independent living skills services to those who are blind or vision impaired. Interested in learning how to use JAWS or any of our new equipment? ACI is available to provide one on one tutoring by appointment only. Contact Argenys Caba at 732-738-4388 or acaba@adacil.org.
ACI's Create Your Own Vision Board Series
Participants in our Vision Board class recently completed the 4th and final session. Our Create Your Own Vision Board series shows how you can turn your goals into pictures and make your dreams come true! The class was facilitated by Eulanda Brooks, ACI Independent Living Specialist. Thank you to all the participants!
Workshops on Basic Computer Skills
Earlier this week, 5 individuals completed a 2-day Basic Computer Skills workshop taught by software engineer and computer instructor, AnnMarie Pigna-Torres, at ACI. The classes covered Microsoft Word and Excel, email, cloud storage, and using the internet. Each participant received a certificate upon completion. Thank you AnnMarie!
This class was offered as part of ACI's office skills program.
Workshop on Setting Goals for 2017 with Paper Snowflakes!
On January 25th, ACI came together to celebrate the New Year! Participants enjoyed hot chocolate and took part in a New Year’s renewal arts and crafts activity. They created and decorated paper snowflakes to express the parts of their lives that they wanted to continue to foster in the coming year, as well as releasing beliefs about themselves that they no longer wanted. The ACI family spent the night enjoying each others company talking about their dreams for 2017. Have a wonderful year!
"No Hate" Town Hall Meeting
ACI was at the “No Hate” Town Hall Meeting at Kean University on January 12th. The American Conference on Diversity (ACOD), in collaboration with Kean University, hosted this meeting with the intention of engaging in an open dialog about diversity, inclusion, and ending hate. The panel included representatives from the legal community as well as Kean and Rutgers Universities. The mission of empowering individuals and institutions to address issues of bias and discrimination is important to support. Thank you to all those who stopped by our table for information.
Photo credit for last four photos: Patti Banks/Patrician Photo for Kean University
115th Congress Repeal Affordable Care Act Underway...Call to Action!
At 1:30 on Thursday morning, the U.S. Senate took its first step towards repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The approved budget resolution instructs committees of the House and Senate to draft repeal legislation by January 27th. Both chambers will then need to approve the resulting legislation before any repeal goes into effect.
The effort to repeal ACA will have a devastating effect of the 30 million people, many of whom have disabilities, who receive healthcare coverage through ACA. Blocking granting Medicaid is also being considered.
Everyday Technologies Workshop on Tablets and Smartphones
About 30 people, including students from North Brunswick Township High School, participated in Everyday Technologies, a workshop devoted to using tablets and smartphones to make life easier. Thank you to Fred Tchang, Director of Assistive Technology at Advancing Opportunities for the informative workshop.
