To commemorate President's Day, ACI presented The Legacy of FDR, which focused on the life and presidency of our 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The presentation also discussed his disability, which was mostly hidden from the public. ACI frequently has workshops on history and disability. To learn more, contact Luke at lkoppisch@adacil.org
ACI and friends went virtual to keep the Valentine's Day party going! The participants had fun playing Cupid Arrow's video game and trying to outdo each other's accuracy high score. Then we spent some time sharing positive messages by linking Sweetheart Candy Heart messages into fun sentences. We finished the afternoon with a breakout sessions where people were able to ask each other questions to get to know each other better and celebrate friendship!
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released for public comment a proposed rule to improve access to motor vehicles, including rental cars, for people with disabilities. The rule proposes changes to NHTSA’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard to facilitate the use of adaptive equipment in rental cars and to simplify vehicle transport of wheelchairs and scooters.
Public comments are due January 27, 2021. For further information, visit DOT’s website or contact Gunyoung Lee of NHTSA Office of Crash Avoidance Standards at 202-366-6005, Daniel Koblenz of NHTSA Office of Chief Counsel at 202-366-5329, or David Jasinski at 202-366-5552.
“As a member of the disability community and a wheelchair user, I believe this is a step in the right direction.” says CJ Dodge, ACI’s Information & Referral Specialist. “There are not currently enough options for rental vehicles that have adaptive equipment. I believe this will allow companies who provide rental vehicles to begin to provide more inventory to the public. It also allows customers to choose the vehicle that they would like to use to fit their needs instead of having to choose the one option that is only sometimes available. I think that there is a need to take additional steps. I believe that every rental company should have not only the options that this proposal provides but also vehicles with ramps and adaptive seating already in place. I also believe that there should be vehicles that have adaptive equipment for people who are deaf or heard of hearing. People with disabilities should have the same opportunities as people without disabilities and that includes not having to go through extra waiting periods for adaptive rental cars to be found or retrofitted. I believe people with disabilities should be able to make a spontaneous trip if they desire to do so. But, there is definitely a need for this proposal because there isn't enough inventory available at rental companies now. “
If you are interested in writing your own testimony and would like help, contact cdodge@adacil.org
ACI’s Emergency Preparedness Team and guest speaker, John Ferguson from the Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management, recently held a Zoom workshop about how people with disabilities can prepare for the winter weather. Topics included making an emergency plan, Go Bags, helpful resources, and more. The slideshow presentation can be downloaded at the link below.
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.
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.
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.
