Individuals with disabilities face the same challenges that everyone does in life, however their disabilities may not only make those challenges more difficult but they often have additional obstacles as well. Many of these obstacles are due to how the world around them is designed and the lack of adequate support systems. But, this need not be the case. In this episode, we talk with Charles Dodge from Alliance Center for Independence about providing resources and education for disabled individuals on how they can live their lives independently as possible, as well as providing resources and assistance for those that are in need and would like to be independent.
COVID-19 Vaccine Survey for People with Disabilities
The Alliance Center for Independence is planning a panel discussion on COVID-19 vaccines that is open to the disability community. The purpose of the event is to provide the disability community with information so that individuals can make an informed choice about getting or not getting a vaccine.
To help in the planning process, ACI is asking our consumers to fill out the following survey.
New Job Opportunity at ACI: Food Service Program Manager
ACI is hiring!!!
ACI is excited to have received a grant from the Kessler Foundation. The Community Employment Grant will focus on preparing people with disabilities to work in the food service industry while receiving their ServSafe Food Handler certification. We are looking for an energetic and creative program manager. Responsibilities will include certifying 12 individuals with disabilities on the basics of working in the food service industry, including food prep, safe food handling, customer service, money skills, time management and employment preparation. 28 hours per week with benefits. Drug and background check needed.
If interested, please send your resume to ctonks@adacil.org. No calls please.
Don't Forget to Vote on Tuesday, June 8th!
The Alliance Center for Independence and REV UP New Jersey would like to remind everyone to vote on Primary Election Day this Tuesday, June 8th.
A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election on November.2. In New Jersey only voters who are registered party members as a Democrat or a Republican can vote. Voters can register as party members at the polls on primary election. Registered Democrats can only vote for the Democratic Party candidate; registered Republicans for the Republican Party candidate.
Vaccine Appointment Assistance for People with Disabilities
If you are disabled and interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, but are having difficulty getting an appointment, ACI is working with volunteers who can help schedule one for you. The following information will need to be provided:
Name
Address
Email
Cell phone
Date of birth
If you have any travel restrictions
Vaccine preference (Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson)
Please call the ACI COVID Hotline at 732-738-1941 for assistance or email ctonks@adacil.org with your information.
If you have any underlying conditions, please consult your healthcare provider prior to making a decision.
Access Checklist for Vaccination Sites in New Jersey - Ensuring Vaccine Sites are Accessible to New Jerseyans with Disabilities
The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) and the NJ Statewide Independent Living Council (NJSILC) recently released the “Access Checklist for Vaccination in New Jersey” to give vaccine sites a tool to ensure sites are physically accessible for people with all types of disabilities.
“The checklist is very comprehensive and will make a big impact on the smaller vaccination sites,” said Carole Tonks, Executive Director of ACI.
“Since the roll-out of the vaccines, it has been obvious that the accessibility needs of people with disabilities at vaccine distribution sites were not being anticipated - specially at smaller sites,” said Norman A. Smith, Chair of the NJSILC.
The checklist was developed in collaboration with the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (The Partnership) to ensure that vaccination sites in New Jersey are accessible to people with disabilities.
Disabled Advocacy 101
Recently, ACI held a 7-part series of Zoom workshops geared towards individuals who wanted to sharpen their advocacy skills to make changes in their community. Topics included voting and civil rights laws, public speaking skills, the history of disability, the legislative process, and systems v. self advocacy. Guest speakers included Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey of NJ 11th Legislative District and Stephen Leiberman of United Spinal. Upon completion, participants received an official NJ Senate and Assembly citation from the 11th District office. Congratulations to all our participants!
