NJ Beach Access Bills

There are two important bills in the State Legislature that have to do with making beaches more accessible to people with all disabilities. These are A-1579 and S-761.

Both bills require:

“Within one year after the effective date of this act, the Department of Environmental Protection shall, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, develop guidelines for specific facilities and accommodations necessary to provide accessibility to beaches for persons with disabilities. The guidelines shall include recommendations for ramps, restrooms, showers, boardwalks, surf chairs, parking, and any other facilities deemed appropriate.”

For more information, go to the NJ Legislature website at njleg.state.nj.us

A-1579 is sponsored by Assemblywoman Joann Downey, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, of Monmouth County and Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake, of Essex County. Currently, A-1579 is sitting in the Assembly Human Services Committee. Assemblywoman Downey is the chair of this Committee.

S-761 is sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal, of Monmouth County. This bill is called “Penny’s Law.” Currently, S-761 is sitting in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. Senator Bob Smith of Piscataway is chair of that Committee.

Advocates can help move these bills for passage. It’s Summer and the beaches are open!

You can call or write to Senator Smith’s office at 732-752-0770 or sensmith@njleg.org

What to say or write (This is just a guideline. Use your own words if you want):

“My name is ______________________. I live in __________________. I am calling/writing to request that S-761 be considered for a vote in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee. S-761 requires the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Human Services to develop guidelines to make beaches accessible for people with disabilities. As a person with a disability (or family member with a disability) I enjoy going to the beach, but many beaches are not accessible, even after 30 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. Passage of this bill will help NJ’s beaches become in compliance with this law. Thank you.”

If you have questions, please email Luke Koppisch at lkoppisch@adacil.org

Food Delivery from ACI and the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund (UPDATE: NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS)

The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI), with support from the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund, is helping to alleviate food insecurity facing low income disabled individuals and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of our efforts, we will be delivering food to those who are unable to get to the store. Deliveries will be available to individuals with disabilities/and or family members. You must live within 35 miles of our office at 629 Amboy Avenue in Edison, NJ.

UPDATE (6/22/2020): We are no longer accepting applications. If you need food assistance, the ACI Food Pantry is still open under limited days and hours during the pandemic.

Food Gift Cards from ACI and the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund (UPDATE: NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS, GIFT CARDS ARE NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED)

The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI), with support from the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund, is helping to alleviate food insecurity facing low income disabled individuals and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of our efforts, we will be distributing grocery store gift cards to 100 approved individuals and/or families. Approved recipients/households will receive a $100 gift card for two consecutive months, for a total of $200. The gift cards are intended to supplement existing benefits, such as SNAP.

UPDATE (6/18/2020): We are no longer accepting applications. All of the gift cards have been claimed. If you need food assistance, the ACI Food Pantry is still open under limited days and hours during the pandemic.

UPDATE (7/10/2020): ACI, in cooperation with the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund, will be distributing supermarket gift cards within the next couple of weeks to people with disabilities and their families. ACI has chosen the first 100 recipients who applied. Those of you receiving a gift card have been contacted by ACI either by phone and/or email. If you have not received an email or call, you have not been selected. We received an overwhelming reply for the gift cards, but were only able to provide to the first 100 people. Please do not call the office if you have not heard from us. Thank you for your understanding.

If you or your family are in need of food, please contact Argenys Caba at 732-738-4388 to make an appointment for the food pantry (curbside only). If you do not live in the Edison area, we will be happy to provide you with a list of food pantries in your county.

The Alliance Center for Independence Condemns the Recent Acts of Racist Violence Against Black Americans

The Alliance Center for Independence condemns the recent acts of racist violence against Black Americans. We grieve for our country and its citizens, and we watch the people of our cities and our nation unite to express this profound and collective sadness and anger. With each unnecessary and violent death, we struggle, each in our own way, to find answers and solutions for a peaceful change.

We hear you and we support you. We will have the tough conversations. ACI stands in solidarity with the African American community and is committed to work together for an end to racism and discrimination in all its forms, and recognize it’s a time for justice and equality for all. We must not continue to define ourselves this way and hold every American to higher standards.

ACI is guided by values of equality and social justice, and we have power collectively and individually, to work towards achieving change. These values we learn and express are relevant, important, and urgent, and we must continue to live out these values in our interactions, in each and every instance, where we have the power to create a difference, we must act. Let those actions be guided by hope, determination, dignity and tireless persistence, to ensure respect and equality for all Americans, regardless of race, disability, sexual orientation, gender or religion.

COVID-19 Recovery for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act

While some steps have been taken to help protect older adults and people with disabilities from the coronavirus, the prolonged nature of the pandemic requires additional action and investment. In response, legislators announced the COVID-19 Recovery for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act.

This act would:

• Require the Social Security Administration to halt unnecessary activities like continuing disability reviews and collection of overpayments for seniors and people with disabilities.

• Remove administrative barriers to accessing disability benefits and health care, and expand eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• Open a Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to easily and quickly enroll more people during the public health emergency.

• Increase funding for the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission to educate seniors about coronavirus-related scams.

• Provide flexibility for the senior food box program to limit the number of times a senior must leave their home in order to access proper nutrition.

ACI is one of 55 national and state organizations representing older adults, people with disabilities and home health care workers who have signed on to support the bill. You can read more about the bill at the link below.

Wheelchair Policies at Hospitals During Pandemic

ACI continues to advocate for people with disabilities who seek medical services during the coronavirus pandemic. We recently wrote to the NJ Department of Health regarding hospitals' policies that disallow patients who rely on their own mobility devices to use them while getting treatment. You can read the letter sent to Commissioner Judith M. Persichilli at the link below.

Census 2020: Shape Your Future!

UPDATE 10/14/20: The 2020 Census will now end on October 15th, but the online self-response in NJ will be available until 6 AM on October 16th.

The Alliance Center for Independence is working with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the US Census Bureau to encourage people with disabilities to fill out the Census.

Have you filled out your 2020 Census? A count of the population of the United States must be conducted every 10 years. Each household must fill out the Census for everyone living there. This includes those with disabilities!

People with disabilities make up 22% of the American public, yet they traditionally have been among the most under-counted populations. Among other things, your response determines how $1.5 trillion in federal funds are allocated every year, including funding for Medicaid, and Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities.

Did not receive a Census? Go to 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020.

For more information, contact Argenys Caba at acaba@adacil.org or 732-738-4388.