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!

President's Day Webinar on the Life of Franklin D. Roosevelt

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

Emergency Preparedness: Winter Edition Workshop

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.

Overnight Shelter Guide Workshops

ACI has been presenting workshops on making general population shelters inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities and access and functional needs. These workshops covered ACI’s Overnight Shelter Simulations, disability etiquette, how a simulated shelter exercise can be used in your community, and more. Funding for these workshops was provided by PSE&G.

Set the Table! Focus Group

ACI was host to a Set the Table! public forum on the future of Middlesex County services. Middlesex County’s Destination 2040 drew about 30 county residents with disabilities who gave input on the housing, transportation, recreation and public service needs of the county.

Making Milkweed Seed Bombs to Save the Monarch Butterflies!

In honor of Earth Day, ACI is helping to save the monarch butterflies by making milkweed seed bombs! Milkweed is the one and only host plant for monarch caterpillars. Follow your recipe below and make your own!!

The ratio is roughly: 5 parts clay, 1 part compost/potting soil/seed-starting mix, 1 part seeds.

Combine the clay and compost; if you’re using wet clay you won’t need water, if you’re using a dry clay add water sparingly until it’s moist enough to stick together. Add the seeds, form into golf ball-sized balls, and set in a dry place to harden for a few days.

Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel Workshops

Thank you to everyone who attended the series of workshops on basic computer skills. The classes, taught by Ann Topping, a professor at Middlesex County College, featured lessons in using Microsoft Word and Excel. Thank you Ann!