Alliance Center for Independence
During the first week of April, ACI held several events and workshops in celebration of National Public Health Week. NPHW is a campaign created by the American Public Health Association (APHA) to promote and educate everyone about public health and wellness. ACI recognized this year's NPHW by encouraging healthy eating, walking and rolling for exercise, and using UV lights to learn about the importance of good hygiene.
Nationally known disability advocate and professional, Ethan B. Ellis, passed away on Friday, March 22nd in Piscataway, NJ. He was 85.
During his career, Ethan assisted in the success of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), served as Director of the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities during a time when the state closed two developmental centers, was instrumental in elevating the individual rights and autonomy of people with developmental disabilities, and championed a systemwide shift to services directed by the individuals receiving those services and their designated family members.
Thank you to the Council on Airport Opportunity (CAO) for their recent workshop on employment with the airport industry. There are many job openings at airports in the NJ/NY area. CAO acts as the human resource department for the airport industry. Interested in working for an airport? Call 973-622-4537 or visit caonynj.com.
CJ Dodge, ACI and Donald Campbell, Atlantic County Center for Independent Living, testifying at the Assembly Budget Hearings on behalf of the NJ Association of Centers for Independent Living. The 11 CILs are advocating for a 4 million dollar line item in the state budget. If you would like to help, please contact us.
Michael Pearson, the Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator for the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project, recently came to ACI for a workshop on stress. Participants in the class learned about various tips and techniques to manage stress including diet, breathing exercises, and meditation. This workshop was a part of ACI’s Health and Wellness program.
On the evening of March 13th, Amateur Astronomers, Inc. came to ACI to do a wonderful interactive presentation on the night sky! The participants listened to presenter, Mike Gironda, talk about not only how to find things in the night sky, but expanding on last year’s event by teaching information about aspects within constellations and fun facts about our galaxy. The second presenter, Jim Nordhauser, brought equipment for participants to learn about and interact with. He had different types of telescopes and binoculars as well as a huge telescope that he built himself. Before and after going outside to look at the night sky, participants enjoyed cups of hot cocoa. Thank you to Mike, Jim, and Mary of Amateur Astronomers, Inc. who made the night entertaining and informative!
