ACI and REV UP NJ Host Public Forum with US Congress District 6 Candidates

On August 27th, ACI and REV UP NJ hosted a public forum on disability issues with Congressional District 6 candidates. Incumbent Democrat Congressman, Frank Pallone, and his Republican challenger, Rich Pezzullo, discussed and responded to questions on topics including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Affordable Care Act, and the role of the Federal Government in assisting people with disabilities. The 6th Congressional District includes towns in Middlesex and Monmouth counties. "The event offered the perfect opportunity for our constituents to meet and hear the views of the candidates for US Congress," said Carole Tonks, ACI Executive Director.

This forum was made possible by a grant from Disability Rights New Jersey, through their Protection and Advocacy Voting Access (PAVA) fund. ACI and REV UP NJ will be hosting a US Senate Candidates Forum on September 14th at Middlesex County College. Visit our website for more details: adacil.org/upcoming-events/us-senate-candidate-forum

Posted on August 28, 2018 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Voting.

What's the Scoop Ice Cream Social

On the evening of August 24th, ACI and friends went to What’s the Scoop ice cream parlor in Metuchen, NJ. The ice cream and pizza were topnotch! Numerous homemade flavors to choose from left everyone happy with their choice. It was good to see some old friends that came back to join us and a few new faces that we hope will continue to come and have fun with us. Thank you so much to the staff of What’s the Scoop for making the night great!

Posted on August 25, 2018 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Social Rec.

ACI/REV UP NJ Host Congressional District #6 Candidates Forum on Monday, August 27th

On August 27th, residents with disabilities and their families will have an opportunity to meet the Democratic Party and Republican Party candidates for New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District. Representative Frank Pallone, Democrat and his Republican challenger, Rich Pezzullo also will discuss those issues that are important for people with disabilities and their supporters. The 6th Congressional District is made up of 32 municipalities in Middlesex and Monmonth counties.

“Every midterm election is important and this year’s is no exception,” says Carole Tonks, Executive Director of the Alliance Center for Independence, a non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties and chief organizer of the forum. “The next congress will take up many issues, and this event is our attempt to ensure that the priorities of 56 million disabled people are sufficiently addressed.”

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Posted on August 23, 2018 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Voting, Press Release.

Small Business Startups - Tips for Individuals with Disabilities

Written By Patrick Young, Volunteer Blog Writer for ACI

Starting a small business comes with a lot to think about; from where to get funding to how to find clients, there are so many details that it can easily become overwhelming if you don’t have a good plan in the beginning. Because there are so many different types of businesses you can pursue, there are just as many different ways to run them. Whether you want to have a storefront or work from the comfort of your own home, it’s imperative that you consider what will work best for you in the future, not just in the present.

This is especially true if you are living with a disability. Limited mobility, exhaustion, and stress-related health issues are just a few of the things you might face as a business owner, so it’s important to keep your health in mind and take care of yourself during the process. Finding the best fit for you may take some time, so be patient as you work through the details.

Read on for some great tips on how to start a business when you’re living with a disability.

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Posted on August 9, 2018 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Volunteer Blog.

Presentation on the History and Importance of the Year 1968

Thank you to everyone who attended 1968: the Year that Changed America on August 3rd. The interactive workshop discussed the pop culture, music, disability issues, politics, the triumphs and tragedies that made that year memorable. Many of us shared our reminisces of that eventful year. ACI periodically hosts presentations on recent history and disability. For more information, contact Luke Koppisch at lkoppisch@adacil.org.

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Workshop.

Cooking Demonstration Provided by Wegmans

ACI wishes to thank Wegmans and Chef Jeff for his terrific cooking demonstration this past Friday. Participants learned how to make a delicious summer salad with fresh Jersey-grown ingredients. Everyone received a Wegmans bag filled with everything needed to make simple salad at home. Thank you to Wegmans for their support to our independent living program and we hope to have Jeff back soon!

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Workshop, Health.

Beating the Summer Heat at ACI's Smoothie Party

At ACI's Smoothie Party, participants learned how to make smoothies from healthy, fresh ingredients! Everyone worked together to create and sample smoothies in flavors such as strawberry banana, pineapple mango, and "very berry". Some groups even created their own recipes! It was a great way to cool down on a hot summer afternoon.

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Brian Mazzarella and filed under Health.