To better prepare our community during the recent Coronavirus outbreak, we put together this downloadable guide filled with numerous tips and resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Download it at the links below!
Alliance Center for Independence Responds to the Coronavirus Crisis
As many businesses, schools and organizations throughout the state and the country have temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) is staying open as long as it can to respond to the needs of our disabled community.
“We are taking all the necessary precautions to keep our staff safe, while assisting our constituents during these difficult times,” said Carole Tonks, Executive Director of ACI. “We have suspended our programs and activities, and told our volunteers to stay home, but we haven’t stopped helping as many as we can.”
Staff at ACI have been calling every person on their mailing to ask if they are ok, to offer assistance, and provide a much needed reassuring voice. “People really appreciate that we are calling them and that we are thinking about them,” says Rachel Gabrilowitz, Employment Coordinator. “Many people are isolated in their homes and are fearful.” Since Tuesday, ACI has called 382 people.
Coronavirus Update from the Alliance Center for Independence - Partial Suspension of ACI Activities
UPDATE on 3/17/20: To protect our consumers and visitors, there will only be staff at the ACI office as of March 18th. We are taking all precautions to stay well and will be here to assist you as long as we can. We will continue to assist our food pantry customers. Please contact us if you need assistance.
At the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI), our priority is to protect and support our consumers, staff, volunteers and visitors. We have been taking several proactive precautionary measures, including implementing new and rigorous cleaning routines, and staying in close communication with our health officials.
Following the guidelines of the federal government and state officials, we decided to minimize our gatherings in order to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.
Day of Mourning Vigil 2020
In the past five years, over 600 people with disabilities have been murdered by their parents, relatives or caregivers, and in the year since our last vigil, our community has lost over 70 more people to filicide.
ACI has held this vigil for the last six years to honor and remember the lives of those lost. We read the victims names and send a message that disability is not justification for violence. We hope for the day when it will no longer be necessary. Thank you to those who attended.
Bernie Zuckerman (1936-2019)
It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our beloved board treasurer, Bernie Zuckerman. Bernie passed away unexpectedly on Christmas day.
Bernie served on the ACI board for 20+ years. He was very diligent in his role and took it seriously. He was loved by his fellow ACI board members, staff and those whose lives he has touched.
Bernie was a kind and compassionate man and loved to talk about baseball. He was an ardent Mets fan (through thick and thin).
Rest in peace, Bernie....You will be greatly missed by many.
ACI Choir Performs at Their First Holiday Concert
Congratulations to all our members of the ACI Choir for their recent holiday concert! Under the direction of Nancy, the Choir sung some of the best loved holiday classics. Thank you Nancy and everyone who came out to see the performance. Interested in becoming a member of our choir? Visit adacil.org/recurring-events/sing-for-fun-lets-bring-music-to-life and sign up. No experience necessary!
ACI Holiday Luncheon & Shopping Trip 2019
On Saturday, December 14th friends of ACI had a fun afternoon at the annual Holiday Luncheon and Shopping Trip at the Woodbridge Olive Garden and Woodbridge Center Mall. While enjoying a good meal, attendees spent time catching up with old friends, learning about newcomers, and talking about past events. Thank you to the Olive Garden staff for making our afternoon fun and worry free!
