Governor Murphy Signs into Law Expanding Access Link Services During an Emergency

On Tuesday, August 12th, NJ Governor signed into law Senate bill S-362, which would require NJ Transit’s Access Link services to operate during a state of emergency if it is determined it can be done safely.

The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Carol Murphy (Burlington County), and Assemblyman P. Christopher Tully (Bergen County), Roy Freiman of Somerset County) and Senator Joseph Cryan (Union County).

Since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, ACI has advocated to get NJ Transit to provide services during an emergency.

ACI would like to thank the Governor and the sponsors of the bill for recognizing and addressing the transportation needs of people with disabilities during an emergency.

ACI Helps Over 150 Individuals and Families Through the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund

Recently, the Alliance Center for Independence completed a grant from the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund, which was organized to assist people impacted by statewide disasters and emergencies. In June, ACI was awarded funding to provide food assistance to low income individuals with disabilities and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We wanted to use this funding to help meet the needs of people facing food insecurity during these challenging times," says, Carole Tonks, ACI's Executive Director. Specifically, the funding was used to purchase grocery store gift cards for 101 individuals with disabilities and their families. In addition, ACI staff purchased and delivered food to individuals and families within a 30 mile radius of our office. "There was a tremendous need for the services that we were offering through this grant", observed Argenys Caba, ACI Food Pantry Manager. "Over 400 people applied for the gift cards alone." To help meet the needs of people who we could not help through the grant, ACI offered the services of our food pantry and gave out resources for pantries throughout the state.

ACI is grateful for the funding we received from the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund and is honored to be given the opportunity to directly assist our community.

ACI's food pantry remains open for curbside pickup, if you are in need, please contact Argenys at 732-738-4388 for an appointment.

NJ State Reopening Survey - Summer 2020

The Alliance Center for Independence wants to hear from you!

As the number of COVID-19 cases has declined in NJ, the state has entered “Phase 2” of reopening. This means that restaurants, public facilities, and retail stores are now open (with limitations) to customers. Establishments have reconfigured their spaces (including outdoor seating for restaurants) in order to comply with social distancing and other guidelines.

In our continuing advocacy efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, ACI is asking our constituents to provide feedback on accessibility of the establishments you are now patronizing. Please fill out the survey below and help make NJ more accessible during the reopening process!

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

Thank you!

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT SURVEY

Reopening Survey

NJ Reopening and the ADA

As the disability community in NJ and around the county prepare to mark the 30th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26th, the Alliance Center for Independence wrote to the Governor Murphy's administration urging him to remind businesses of their requirements to comply with the ADA. As the state starts to reopen and recover economically from the coronavirus pandemic, ACI is concerned that retail stores and restaurants will not make their establishments barrier free and welcoming to people with disabilities. Below is a letter sent to Paul Aronsohn, NJ's Ombudsman for People with Developmental Disabilities and their Families expressing our concerns.

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