As part of our continuing efforts to increase the participation of people with disabilities in the election process, the Alliance Center for Independence and REV UP NJ would like to learn about your experience voting in the last election. We are asking our constituents with disabilities and their family members to fill out the following survey.
New Job Opportunity at ACI: Part-Time Pre-Employment Instructor
The Alliance Center for Independence in Edison, NJ is hiring!
We are currently seeking a part-time instructor (with potential for full-time), who is enthusiastic about assisting people with disabilities, including students with disabilities, in being independent and reaching their employment and independent living goals.
NJ COVID-19 Disability Action Committee Release Report on People with Disabilities and the Pandemic
A group of leaders and advocates representing the broad range of people who have disabilities in New Jersey will release a report about how COVID-19 has impacted the disability community. The report released on Friday, October 30, 2020, describes how the State’s preparation for and response to the COVID-19 pandemic failed to meet the critical needs of people with disabilities and their families. It also acknowledges the rights of the community as guaranteed by various State and Federal laws.
The New Jersey COVID-19 Disability Action Committee (DAC) is a 23-member panel that calls for changes in New Jersey’s operating procedures, programs, and laws as well as the assumptions underlying them as they affect people with disabilities. The report cites severe deficits in the State's preparation, planning, and response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the risk of illness and death in our community.
Business Management Tips for Entrepreneurs
Written by Ed Carter from AbleFutures
Managing a business requires vigilance and attention to details, which can be difficult for new entrepreneurs. If you’re struggling with day-to-day business management, you’re not alone: new business owners face a steep learning curve that requires an open mind and willingness to try new things. To be successful as an entrepreneur, use this as a guide for learning how to manage finances and grow your company.
ACTION ALERT: Is Your Ballot Drop Box Inaccessible? Let Us Know!
Although the election is November 3rd, many Jerseyans have already cast their ballot using the mail-in drop box that have been set up throughout the state.
However, we have received complaints from voters with disabilities who say that some of these boxes were placed in inaccessible locations or positioned in a way that makes it difficult for someone using a wheelchair to use.
Some mail-in ballot drop boxes, for example, have been placed in locations that are not accessible by curve cut, or on sidewalks that leave little room to maneuver a wheelchair.
If your mail-in ballot drop box is located in an inaccessible spot, ACI and REV UP NJ would like to know! Contact Luke at lkoppisch@adacil.org. We are gathering this information in order to advocate on this issue with the NJ Division of Elections. Also, please contact your county's Board of Elections and let them know the situation. Click here to find your Board of Elections.
If you have questions, please contact Luke at lkoppisch@adacil.org.
Get Paid for Working Directly with Your Adult Child
The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) is hiring parents (and guardians) as direct support personnel for their adult son or daughter who received services under DDD’s Community Care or Community Support programs. Counties covered: Middlesex, Union, and Somerset counties.
Receive $16 an hour
Work up to 40 hours a week
Receive paid training
All parental hires are subjected to the employment requirements for direct support personnel established by the NJ State Department of Human Services (including fingerprint, drug tests, College of Direct Support training, and criminal background check).
For more details and a parent hire information packet, contact your support coordinator or Luke Koppisch, ACI Deputy Director, at 732-738-4388 or lkoppisch@adacil.org.
TAKE ACTION: Tell Governor Murphy to Fund NJ’s “B” Centers for Independent Living!
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the 11 Centers for Independent Living have been essential in providing support to New Jerseyans with disabilities and their families. From wellness checks to assistance with food and medication delivery to conducting support groups online, NJ's CILs have been meeting the challenges brought on by the pandemic. While our services have become more expansive and more important than ever to our consumers, CILs are struggling to provide the additional services under financial hardship.
Under the Federal CARES Act, New Jersey has received $1.95 million dollars for independent living services under the Rehabilitation Act.
In NJ there are B and C Centers for Independent Living, unfortunately, no federal funding was included specifically for "B" Centers throughout the country, in Title VIII of The CARES Act.
In NJ the centers affected were the Alliance Center for Independence, Atlantic Center for Independent Living, DAWN, Inc., Center for Independent Living of South Jersey and MOCEANS. As a result, thousands of NJ residents with disabilities are unable to get the needed services supported by the CARES funding. The Governor and the state legislature must consider additional funding for NJ's Centers for Independent Living " B" Centers in their proposals.
