12/3/14: Allies in Self Advocates of New Jersey wrapped up the year with a Style. The last meeting of the ASANJ took place at the Lawrenceville Library. It was a celebration of great accomplishment for the year with lots of food, drinks and Music to celebrate. We had a short meeting first in order to reflect and focus on the future. We ended the day with everyone having fun.
12/2/14 : Erin Caprara of The New Jersey Self- Advocacy project was invited as a special guest to the Helping Hands meeting that took place on December 2, 2014. Lots of people were in attendance. Erin expresses issues facing Advocates and how we can be of change to what is going on now. She stated that there are Global groups by county which is also sub divided into local chapters. Also, five central system of council in which we are of Council 3. She encouraged everyone to participate in groups of groups Advocacy meetings in their neighborhood. One of the groups include The Allies in Self Advocacy of New Jersey. Some of the things she is part of as of recently is, distributing materials like books and DVDs to schools for the purpose of Educating the community. She also participates in fundraising activities and events that include Disability awareness month and meeting Senators/ Legislators or other representative groups and Leaders. At the end of the night, everyone appreciates her presence.
11/18/14: Results are in! 50% of CAU members participated in this year’s general elections! Let’s keep spreading the word to get out and vote.
11/4/14: Today is General Election Day! Do not forget to vote. Polls are open from 6 am to 8 pm!
10/31/14: The 1st Annual ABCD Conference will be held November 5th at the New Jersey Law Center. Our self-advocacy field coordinator, Annie Sims, will be a part of a self-advocates panel!
10/15/14: Attention all Elizabeth residents! Our last voting event will be a pre-election pizza party on October 29th from 5-7 pm. Candidates from the Union County Board of Education will be stopping by to answer any questions.
10/8/14: Our last voting event before the upcoming general election on November 4th will be held in the CAU Cafeteria on October 29th from 5-7 pm! We will have a panel to answer questions on voting and information on this year’s election. RSVP to nampwd@caunj.org.
10/6/14: Are you planning on attending the ABCD Conference on November 5th? Our own Self-Advocacy Field Coordinator, Annie Sims, will be doing a presentation on self-advocacy! Deadline to register for the conference is October 24th.
10/1/14: Last day to register to vote for the upcoming general election is Tuesday, October 14th! Don’t forget to register.
9/22/14: Come meet us at the NJ Disability Pride & Celebration Parade on Friday, October 3rd in Trenton, NJ! We will be meeting at the Statehouse at 9 am. For more information, go to: http://www.adacil.org/upcoming-events/njdpp2014#.VCXL_WdASUk
9/10/14: Join us at the 31st Annual New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network Conference on September 20th the Double Tree Hotel in Somerset, NJ! For more information check out: http://njselfadvocacyproject.tumblr.com/
9/1/14: Please join NAMPWD for our upcoming voter drive on September 17th from 4-6 pm in the Community Access Unlimited Cafeteria! The Union County Board of Elections will be joining us to help people register to vote, practice using a voting machine, and answering any general questions regarding voting.
8/25/14: Join us next Wednesday for the next monthly Allies in Self-Advocacy of New Jersey (ASANJ) meeting scheduled for September 3rd 2014. For more information contact Rebecca Clark: rclark@caunj.org (908) 354-3040 ext. 215
8/20/14: Join us for the NJCDD’s Disability Awareness Day! This will be an all day event at Six Flags Great Adventure. To purchase tickets go to: www.sixflags.com/greatadventure and use promo code NJCDD!
8/13/14: 31st Annual NJSSAN Fall Conference, which will take place on Saturday, September 20th from 8:30am-3pm at the Doubletree Hotel in Somerset, NJ. For more information contact Dee Fernandez: dfernandez@caunj.org. (908) 354-3040 ext. 620
8/13/14: Join us for our next People First of NJ meeting at 80 West Grand St. 6pm-7pm on Thursday August 28th 2014. RSVP: Contact Dee Fernandez: dfernandez@caunj.org. (908) 354-3040 ext. 620
8/13/14: Join us for the next monthly Allies in Self-Advocacy of New Jersey (ASANJ) meeting scheduled for September 3rd 2014. For more information contact Rebecca Clark: rclark@caunj.org (908) 354-3040 ext. 215
7/14/14: On July 10th the New American Movement met the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project team and other members of regional Councils of the Statewide Self-Advocacy Network at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk to celebrate the Americans With Disabilities Act Awareness Month. Self-advocate Myrta Rosa had a good time celebrating the anniversary of ADA by handing out brochures, pins, and t-shirts to the people walking on the boardwalk. The event was not only a great opportunity to spread information about the ADA, but to network with other self-advocates, as well as those who we met at the information table.
7/12/14: The New American Movement will be attending this years 2014 Reinventing Quality Conference on August 3rd-5th. For more information contact Rebecca Clark: rclark@caunj.org (908) 3040 ext. 215.
7/12/14: Join us for the next monthly Allies in Self-Advocacy of New Jersey (ASANJ) meeting scheduled for August 6th 2014. For more information contact Rebecca Clark: rclark@caunj.org (908) 354-3040 ext. 215
7/12/14: Join us for our next People First of NJ meeting at 80 West Grand St. 6pm-7pm on Thursday July 31st 2014. RSVP: Contact Dee Fernandez: dfernandez@caunj.org. (908) 354-3040 ext. 620
7/12/14: The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities will be hosting their Annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at Six Flags Great Adventure on August 30th 2014! For Tickets go to www.sixflags.com/greatadventure Promo Cofe: NJCDD. For more information contact Dee Fernandez: dfernandez@caunj.org, (908) 354-3040 ext. 620
7/12/14: Register now for the People First of New Jersey Kick Off Meeting scheduled for Saturday July 26th 2014 from 9am-4pm at the College of New Jersey. Visit www.njcdd.org for more information. RSVP by Monday, July 14th, contact frank.latham@njcdd.org. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided!
7/11/14: This year’s Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) conference will be taking place on October 9th-12th in Oklahoma City, OK. The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) has announced that they will be sending 5 self-advocates from a lottery.
If you or anyone you know would like to participate in the lottery please email Jacinta.williams@njcdd.org no later than Monday, July 28th with your first and last name, address, and contact information (email address or telephone number). If you have any questions with regards to the conference please contact Jacinta Williams (609) 984-5444.
7/3/14: 138th Annual American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Meeting
The New American Movement for People with Disabilities attended the 138th Annual American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) meeting, which took place on June 23rd-26th 2014. Community Organizers met James Thompson, current President of AAIDD, and Amy Hewitt, President-Elect and Conference Chair. NAMPWD also had the pleasure of meeting Valerie J. Bradley and Cathy Ficker Terrill, who hosted Monday’s pre-conference session titled “Quality Management, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Managed Care, in which they stressed the importance and need for person-centered approaches and long term support services for individuals with disabilities. The NAMPWD attended the Assembly of Geographic Interests, where community organizers networked with Susan Palmer, who is on the AAIDD Board of Directors, and discussed updates with regards to Region 9 and the State of New Jersey. The NAMPWD was privileged enough to meet Darryl Hill, author of A History and Sociology of the Willowbrook State School and Associate Professor for the Department of Psychology at the College of Staten Island as well as Jerri McCandless, Director of Member Relations and Board Development for ANCOR. The NAMPWD team held an exhibit table throughout the conference and presented their poster presentation which explored in depth the importance behind self-advocacy, the significance and need behind shutting down of institutions, continued advocacy to increase voter participation and funding for DD services, and overall mission statement. The NAMPWD was delighted and grateful to meet and network with a variety of service providers, presenters, and researchers from all over the country, as well as AAIDD board members such as William Gaventa, FAAIDD Vice President and member of the Board of Directors. The NAMPWD left a lasting impression on many attendees and presenters who attended this year’s Annual AAIDD meeting, and was among the only attendees in which self-advocates shared their stories, and were the face behind a movement.
6/26/14: Join us for our next People First of New Jersey meeting on Thursday, June 26th from 6 pm-7pm at 80 West Grand St, Elizabeth, NJ! Contact Dee Fernandez, dfernandez@caunj.org, or (908) 354-3040 ext. 620 with any questions.
6/11/14: Join us at The Assembly Human Services Committee Hearing tomorrow, June 12th, in Committee Room 16, 4th Floor, at the State House Annex at 1 pm.
6/5/14: HCDNNJ Lobby Day at the Statehouse in Trenton!
Myrta Rosa, Tonya Hopson, and Raphael Kasen represented the New American Movement for People with Disabilities (NAMPWD) at the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey (HCDNNJ) Lobby Day in Trenton on Thursday, June 5th. It was a fun, eventful day at the statehouse where housing and community development organizations from throughout the state met with their legislators to advocate for affordable housing and good-paying jobs for all New Jersey residents. The issues at stake at this year’s Lobby Day included: expanding land banking opportunities for New Jersey towns and cities to allow for the construction of more affordable housing; amending the Tax Sale law to allow municipalities greater control of tax delinquent properties; the NJ Economic Opportunity Act, which would allocate $250 million in tax credits for the construction of 100% affordable housing throughout the state; funding for foreclosure prevention and neighborhood stabilization; Sandy Relief funding; foreclosure relief for NJ homeowners; the “ratification” of a Sandy Bill of Rights for homeowners and renters displaced by the storm, and the passing of a strong FY 2015 housing and community development budget, with ample funding for both project –based and tenant-based programs.
When members from the NAMPWD arrived in Trenton, they were divided up into groups by county. Representing Union County, the NAMPWD was led by Lorraine Wearley from the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of New Jersey. Their first meeting was with Senator Tom Kean, Jr. Senator Kean was happy to see member Tonya Hopson, whom he has known for many years. The NAMPWD joined HCDNNJ Senior Policy Coordinator Arnold Cohen at the meeting, who discussed the land banking initiative, foreclosure prevention, and the Sandy Bill of Rights with the Senator. Tonya then invited Senator Kean to the CAU Community Players production of Fiddler on the Roof, Jr., which he said he would try to attend. Our Union County group then went to the Senate Commerce Committee, where we took a photo with Senators Lesniak and Scutari. The NAMPWD then returned to the main organizing room for lunch, where they were visited by Assemblyman Jerry Green, Chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Housing and Community Development. Assemblyman Green emphasized his commitment to affordable housing, and his unwillingness to compromise on issues such as the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the Sandy Bill of Rights, and fighting foreclosures throughout the state. Mr. Green emphasized that he would continue to partner with the Housing and Community Development Network on these issues. The NAMPWD then heard from Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, who also affirmed her commitment for fighting for foreclosure prevention and affordable housing.
Finally, the NAMPWD received Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, who expressed his disappointment with his colleagues across the aisle, who have waivered on both both Superstorm Sandy funding and their commitment to affordable housing across the state. After his speech, Tonya Hopson handed Senator Sweeney a flip-flop, which he signed! The flip-flops were a message to legislators not to “flip-flop” on the Sandy Bill of Rights. After lunch, Tonya Hopson then carried a large bag filled with signed flip-flops to the Senate Republican Office, which she delivered personally with the entire group of HCDNNJ lobbyist standing behind her! The days events ended with a visit to the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development, where the team heard Chairman Green’s commitment to working with the Network and its allies in addressing the foreclosure crisis in New Jersey as well as inclusionary zoning and the proposed COAH regulations. HCDNNJ President and CEO Staci Berger, along with Alle Ries, Director of Housing and Community Development at La Casa de Don Pedro in Newark, testified as to the ongoing foreclosure crisis in New Jersey. President Berger noted that New Jersey is Number 1 in the nation in foreclosures. In fact, while other states have taken direct action to address the foreclosure crisis since the supposed end of the Great Recession, lack of proactive government action has actually led to a worsening of foreclosure crisis here in New Jersey. Director Ries further testified that the demand for foreclosure counseling has increased in past years, while funding has decreased. The HCDNNJ Lobby Day was proof positive that, when legislative knowhow and community organizing come together, it generates a powerful impetus for change. We at the New American Movement for People with Disabilities would like to thank the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey for hosting such a great event. We look forward to attending future Network events as well as any event that gives voice to the ongoing fight for fair housing and community integration for people with disabilities!
6/3/14: Helping Hands Meeting on June 3rd 2014, at 88 West Grand Street from 6pm-8pm. Food will be provided as well as a short presentation from the New American Movement for People with Disabilities.
5/28/14: “Your Vote, Your Choice” Event
On Wednesday May 28th 2014, the New American Movement for People with Disabilities hosted “Your Vote, Your Choice” Voting Event along with the Union County Board of Elections. The event took place at 88 West Grand Street in Elizabeth, NJ from 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm. Attendees were given the opportunity to practice casting their ballot on voting machines brought over on behalf of the Union County Board of Elections. Linda Wise, assistant supervisor for the Union County Board of Elections, helped attendees register to vote and locate their appropriate voting tolls. The NAMPWD discussed questions and concerns that may arise on voting day and provided attendees with appropriate information regarding their voting rights and contact information in case of emergency. Disability Rights of New Jersey will be available to answer any questions or concerns that may arise on voting day as well from 7:00 am-8:00 pm at 800-922-7233. The Primary Elections are to take place on June 3rd 2014. The mail by vote option deadline has passed but voters can still apply for the mail by vote option in person. The New American Movement for People with Disabilities urges everyone to vote for the upcoming primary elections and practice their right to vote! “No Decisions About Us! Without!”
If you have any questions with regards to voting information, contact Dee Fernandez at dfernandez@caunj.org or extension 620, and or Raphael Kasen at rkasen@caunj.org or extension 255.
5/21/14: Respectability Luncheon
5/19/14: Register now for the AAIDD 2014 Conference! Early bird registration rates end June 6th. The NAMPWD team will have an exhibit table and a poster presentation!
5/7/14: Support legislation to have a Career and Community Studies program started at Rutgers University for intellectually disabled students–Read more here
5/2/14: 2014 Abilities Expo
On Friday May 2nd 2014, the New American Movement for People with Disabilities attended the 2014 Abilities Expo at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison, NJ. Vendors from all over the nation attended the celebration and attendees were given the opportunity to discover ability-enhancing technologies, products, and services, as well as attend workshops, learn about different opportunities and possibilities. The New American Movement networked with various disability focused organizations in the state of New Jersey, such as NJCDD, Disability Rights, and the Arc, state and nation-wide self-advocates, and also met Tiphany Adams, star of the TV show “PushGirls”, Ms. WheelChair America, and the Walk & Roll Dance Team.
Exhibitors showcased products ranging from accessible transportation devices, driving devises, recreation equipment, and other ability-related products to meet the needs of those with different abilities. The Abilities Expo offered a wide range of workshops available to all attendees. Workshops included: Laughter Yoga for All Abilities, Planning Accessible Travel, Using Technology to Maximize your Life, Learning to be an effective Leader, Care for Caregiver, Stand for Function, and Finding and Using Free Apps for iPad and iPhone.
More information about 2014 Abilities Expo can be found here!
4/26/14: Self-Advocacy Day
On Saturday April 26th 2014, the New American Movement for People with Disabilities attended the 1st Annual Self-Advocacy Day, a celebration hosted by Community Access Unlimited (CAU) to applaud the hard work and efforts of New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocates.
Advocacy Day, and empowering keynote speaker Mark Travis Rivera, of MarkedDanceProject, was a huge success! Attendees enjoyed a continental breakfast and lunch, keynote speaker Mark Travis Rivera, music, activities, and educational workshops.advocacy on behalf of the New American Movement for People with Disabilities.
Self-Advocacy Day attendees also participated in “Writing on the Wall”, an activity in which participants were given the opportunity to share a positive message with their community about self-advocacy through writing their message on the walls of 88. The New American Movement for People with Disabilities was honored to have been a part of this event, and looks forward to next years Self-Advocacy Day!
4/22/14: Help support our direct support professionals!
Legislators are currently in the process of making important decisions related to the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget that will greatly impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For the seventh year in a row the proposed budget lacks a cost of care increase that is critical for both individuals currently receiving services and the direct support professionals who offer those services. In addition, there has never been an increase reflective of the true cost of care for direct support professionals. The New American Movement for People with Disabilities is calling on the NJ State Senate and Assembly Budget Committees to include a 3% cost of care increase in the FY 2015 Budget, one which will be dedicated to staff salaries and benefits.
The work of direct support professionals is vital to the lives of people with disabilities, and is the foundation on which community based supports are built. Furthermore, all too many direct support professionals themselves live at or near the poverty level. Their struggle is, thus, ours. We must support our brothers and sisters whose work we value so greatly and whose struggle against economic oppression so closely mirrors our own.
Please contact the two Budget Chairmen to advocate on this crucial issue.
Senator Paul Sarlo
sensarlo@njleg.org
(201) 804-8118
Assemblyman Gary Schaer
asmschaer@njleg.org
(973) 249-3665
4/15/14: Spring Into Action Luncheon
On Saturday April 12th 2014, the New American Movement for People with Disabilities attended the 9th Annual Spring Into Action Luncheon.
Annie Sims, field coordinator and self-advocate for the New American Movement for People with Disabilities, shares her experience during the luncheon. “When I went to the Spring Into Action Luncheon, I listened to Tom Baffuto (from The Arc of New Jersey) talk about how all the self-advocates in New Jersey were doing a very good job fighting for people with disabilities. He was very happy to see how self-advocacy had come a very long way. He also talked about how self-advocates have become very strong in their fight.”
Self-Advocate Barbara Coppens, also captivated the audience with her presentation on self-advocacy. Annie Sims states, “Barbara Coppens was talking about the NCSA Report saying what the Advisory Board of the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network (NJSSAN) are doing for people with disabilities. Barbara shared that they are trying to help us self-advocates live very happy lives, and to keep up the good work, stand up for ourselves, and not let anyone put us down because we are all self advocates and we can make a difference for ourselves and the entire community. That is what self advocacy is about: Speaking up for ourselves and also fighting for our community.”
2/24/14: Center on Law in Metropolitan Equity (CLiME) Conference
On Friday, February 21st, 2014, the New American Movement for People with Disabilities attended the 32nd Annual Center on Law in Metropolitan Equity Conference, at Rutgers School of Law in Newark, New Jersey.
Keynote speaker, David Rusk presented an excellent regional analysis of inequality in the U.S., through his in depth discussion of “Big Box” and “Little Box” states. In “Big Box” states, large amounts of unincorporated land allow for county government to exercise greater authority. Zoning is not simply the realm of the municipality, and the county government has the right to overrule for the benefit of the public welfare. Mr. Rusk also highlighted Houston, TX, where the county was able to resettle Hurricane Katrina survivors, overruling any local objections by municipalities and their NIMBY constituents.
Mr. Rusk states that inequality is in fact on the rise, especially in “Little Box” states like NJ. Income segregation is in many ways surpassing racial segregation throughout New Jersey’s urban areas. He proposes that affordable housing be built in the “right” areas with the idea of creating affordable housing where opportunity is the greatest. David Rusk’s presentation place emphasis on how state policies concentrate poverty in urban areas, such as Camden, Newark, and Paterson, which has become extremely problematic.
11/8/13: Self-Advocates Needed!
DDD will be hosting a focus group to discuss the new fee for service system with the rate setters and then get feedback from the self advocates.
Date: Tuesday, November 19th, 2013
Place: DDD Hamilton Office, 5 Commerce Way, Hamilton, NJ 08691
Time: 5:30-8 PM
Please contact Adrienne Leary if interested in attending, aleary@arcnj.org.
9/20/13: Get Out and Vote!
As many of you have heard over and over again, voting is powerful, so powerful that groups have been excluded from it for centuries (read: African Americans, Women). Even now, there is legislation across the country that seeks to discourage low income individuals, minorities, and people with disabilities from exercising their right to vote. That being said, the NAMPWD team encourages you to engage, learn, and criticize exactly what (or who) you’re voting for.
NAMPWD will be hosting voting workshops in preparation for the Senate Primary on August 6th, 2013, September 18th, 2013, September 25th, 2013,October 6th, 2013. Contact us if you’re interested in attending!
9/6/13: “A Better Bottom Line”
Recently, Governor Jack Markell issued the report “A Better Bottom Line” in which he address the need for employment for people with disabilities. For the NAMPWD team, this report comes after a series of controversies over the future of sheltered workshops and Section 511 of the Workforce Reinvestment Act, and is appropriately timed to addressing the changing employment environment for people with disabilities.
The answer to employment for people with disabilities is neither simple nor universal. Employment for people with disabilities is unique in the same way that the supports for each individual reflect their personal needs. That being said, there are a couple of ideas floating around the disability community that share common ground: integration.
8/19/13: Check out our latest on developmental centers here
8/13/13: Cory Booker won the Democrat Primary in New Jersey and is set to face of in the special election against former Bogota Mayor, Steve Lonegan
8/2/13: Keep your eyes on our blog here
8/2/13: Only 11 more days until NJ Senate Primary – What’s your hot button Issue?
7/23/13: Today is the last day to register to vote in the NJ Senate Primary on 8/13/13
7/15/13: Check out Ed Heaton’s second guest blog “Norman’s Law” here
7/13/13: NJCDD Youth Advocate Coalition at the New Jersey State Museum, in Trenton. The event was a great opportunity for young advocates to discuss the history of the ADA and employment.
7/11/13: Join us for the New Jersey Advocate Coalition from 5-6:30 at the Mary J. Roebling building in Trenton!
7/3/13: The NAMPWD hosted coffee and discussion at the SHA Membership Meeting in Trenton! Check out their Op-Ed on the demand for supported housing here!
6/18/2013: We have some new voices, check out NAMPWD’s Guest Blogger, Ed Heaton, here!
5/29/2013:According to a recent article in the Star Ledger, DeCamp Bus Lines, based in Montclair, NJ, recently settled its lawsuit with the U.S. Department of Justice for violating Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. During its two month review, the department found that DeCamp unlawfully requested passengers with wheelchairs to provide two days notice before using its services. What’s more is that their practice was explicitly discriminatory being that DeCamp’s buses are already wheelchair accessible.
This settlement ensures that passengers of DeCamp will receive proper information regarding their access to transportation, and will not be subject to further hardship. As a result, the company has relinquished its discriminatory policy and provides notification on their website citing that all buses are accessible.
Additionally, the department ordered DeCamp to provide annual employee training on the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act to avoid subsequent misconduct. Companies that operate large, fixed-route motor coach bus fleets are obligated to have accessible vehicles as per an October 29th, 2012 summon from the Justice Department. Further compliance under the Department of Transportation necessitates companies to execute routine maintenance checks, train employees and file annual reports with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
5/23/2013: The New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division and the state Supreme Court continue to prohibit Governor Christie from usurping a $164 million in unspent affordable housing funds from municipalities, more than half of which represent areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Christie claims the state has the right to capture the money as per a 2008 law that issues trust fund regulations under the Council on Affordable Housing. Despite Christie’s remark that municipalities have procrastinated on their obligations for a number of years, the law requires the state to provide notice and opportunity for municipalities and non-profits to correct their deficits before taking action.
Although the municipalities should have used the funds for its designated purpose quite some time ago, the state also bears some responsibility for its inactivity. The Council on Affordable Housing — coincidentally, a government agency that Christie would like to do away with it — failed to provide municipalities with a clear direction on how the money should be spent.
In congruence with the position of fair housing advocates, sponsors (notably, Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver) of the 2008 law retaliated against Christie’s actions by commenting on the falsification of the administration’s portrayal of the law. Furthermore, they cite that it is “baffling” that the administration would try to appeal its request to seize the funds when the law explicitly formulates barriers to protect such from happening. Nonetheless, the fight is nowhere near to being over as an oral argument on the status of the court’s injunction is scheduled for June 5th, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Veteran’s Courthouse, 50 W. Market Street, Newark, NJ.
5/20/2013: The vitality of special needs transportation in New Jersey is becoming increasingly troublesome for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Funding for special transportation has continued to decline for the last five years because its sustenance is connected to the waning casino revenues of Atlantic City. According to a recent Star Ledger article on May 20th, 2013, a 30% reduction in casino revenues since 2011 has caused funding to plummet $4.3 million. This means fewer rides, particularly during the evening and on weekends, and lack of access to nearby communities. This has the potential to impact the quality of life of both populations in which many will be unable to make medical appointments, shop for necessities, attend classes, go to work, and socialize with family and friends.
The lagging economy, increased fuel costs and diminishing local tax revenues have also contributed to the decline of New Jersey’s community transportation and paratransit programs. Moreover, the New Jersey Council on Special Transportation speculates that the dismantlement of these services will be actualized by 2014 if other solutions are not implemented. As counties have been scrambling to pick up the pieces and reenergize services through other means, no one can be sure that the state government will provide another $2 million for the 2014 budget.
Additionally, the fund continues to receive negative gains despite allocating a larger portion of the casino revenue fund in 2010 to support the starved Senior Citizens and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program. In order to plan for the road ahead, many counties have scheduled Public Hearings in June 2013 regarding their casino revenue grants and transportation assistance programs. It is imperative that advocates participate in these meetings to influence the outcome of each county and the state’s future plan for sustaining transportation.
For those supporters living in Union County, please note that the Department of Human Services Paratransit System will be holding a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 26th, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Union County, Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 6th Floor Freeholders Meeting Room, Elizabeth, NJ. For supporters residing in different counties, the Star Ledger has posted the following information:
Hudson County: 10 a.m. June 5th in the Freeholder Chamber at 567 Pavonia Ave., Jersey City
Middlesex County: 7 p.m. June 6th in the County Administration Building, 1 JFK Square, New Brunswick
Warren County: 1 p.m. June 10th in the Wayne Dumont Jr. Administration Building, 165 County Route 159 South, Belvidere
Sussex County: noon June 11th in the Freeholders Room of the County Administrative Center, 1 Spring Street, Newton
Morris County: 10 a.m. June 17th in the Morris View Healthcare Center, 540 W. Hanover Ave, Morris Township
5/16/2013: Governor Christie vetoed a bill this week that would allow individuals to vote at the polling locations up to 15 days early, to ease some of the burden on voters during election time. The bill came in response to the polling chaos for the November Presidential Election post-Hurricane Sandy. Christie’s main opposition to the bill is that this is not “cost-effective” and it undermines the integrity of elections. Currently in New Jersey, voters can submit their ballots via mail prior to elections and does not require absentee voters to provide an excuse.
To the New American Movement for People with Disabilities, this is another step in limiting voter participation. In addition to the long lines during the 2012 elections, citizens were also faced with a slew of voter identification legislation that aimed at filtering votes. Charles Wowkanech, the President of New Jersey AFL-CIO said that Christie’s veto “…shamefully silences the voices…of New Jersey families.” The New American Movement will continue to monitor voting reform efforts in hopes that one day, no individual will be disenfranchised in their effort to participate in our democracy.
Regal Entertainment Group, the country’s largest entertainment chain is finally introducing closed-captioning glasses for people with hearing impairments. The glasses use new hologram technology and provide individuals with captioning on all films. In the past, closed captioning was offered on little screens in specified theaters and was not available to all individuals. A senior executive of Regal Entertainment Group, Raymond Smith Jr., hopes that this will draw more individuals with hearing impairments to theaters. Equally, Regal Cinema is introducing new headphones for individuals who are visually impaired.
The New American Movement Team is thrilled that theaters are incorporating new technology to accommodate and expand their viewership. This initiative is just one small step into building a fully inclusive community – throughout all sectors.
5/6/2013: As per a state Senate Budget Committee hearing on May 1st, 2013, NJ Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez may rescind her proposal to phase out of funding for sheltered workshops, a vocational program that currently serves 830 people with developmental disabilities. Velez’s contention is due to Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg’s argument that cutting funding for the sheltered workshop program may leave many individuals with developmental disabilities without a job.
In order to preserve the program, the Senate Budget Committee asked Velez to explore the plausibility of transferring $7 million from the sheltered workshop program to the NJ Department of Labor. Although Velez reluctantly agreed to examine the matter in further detail, she rebutted by emphasizing that sheltered workshops prevent people with developmental disabilities from gaining meaningful employment as the programs typically pay less than minimum wage and segregate the workforce. Velez also reminded the committee that an invalidation of New Jersey’s Employment First policy could provoke the U.S. Department of Justice to take legal action, and would continue to financially burden the state as it is prohibited from receiving federal dollars.
4/28/2013: On Sunday, April 28th, the New American Movement Team attended the New Jersey Peace Action’s 56th Annual Dinner, hosted in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. The NAMPWD Team spent the afternoon in thought-provoking discussion with peace activists from across the state. Though each individual at the dinner had a specific interest in creating a peaceful and equal world – ranging from ending nuclear weapons to protesting proposed fracking projects – all agreed that the Department of Defense’s budget is too big. The highlight of the afternoon was a keynote speech given by activist Jeremy Scahill. Scahill advocated for the equal treatment of all United States citizens, regardless of creed, religion or intelligence suspicions. He noted that in order for the United States to be a truly free and equal society, the United States would first have to abandon their unjust practices as they relate to our national security and defense. Scahill asserted that the killing of US citizens without a trial is atrocious, and that “it is only when we [people of the United States] can look at each other with empathy,” can we live in a free and peaceful society. The views of New Jersey Peace Action coincide with the beliefs of NAMPWD in our joint efforts to create a more equal and just society, for all individuals.
4/26/2013: In light of the release of President Obama’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2014 as well as the issues raised at the 2013 Disability Policy Seminar, the New American Movement would like to invite its supporters to utilize our action alert on chained CPI and its impacts on our lifeline.
Although there is time before the final budget is released, we must be continuously working to share our story and put a face on Social Security benefits. Please follow the link below to take necessary action:
http://wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8797/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9223
A new way to get involved:
As previously mentioned on our Facebook page, the New American Movement is on the quest for new bloggers! Please express your interest by sending an e-mail to nampwd@caunj.org. Be sure to indicate how often you would be willing to contribute as well as topics of interest pertaining to disability rights.
We look forward to hearing from you!
4/17/2013:
The New American Movement for People with Disabilities attended the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. on April 15-17th. This year’s seminar was attended by over 600 advocates, professionals and government employees from across the country, including U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and American Samoa, and drew attention to the significance of health care reform and fiscal austerity measures. For the disability community, the 113th Congress has the capacity to drastically alter their standard of living and services provided if action is not taken against proposed budget cuts. The 2013 Disability Policy Seminar was a tall glass of political reality as it relates to health care and fiscal reform.
“I thought it was great – informative and educational,” self-advocate Dante Chrystal reflected.” I learned about budget cuts, I learned about people with disabilities and how they want to cut [our] SSI benefits. Learning about this made me feel upset because you can cut so many other things, SSI recipients still live below the poverty line, I couldn’t imagine that they would cut even more from their checks.”
The Seminar opened Monday morning with a plenary as to the current state of politics in Washington, D.C. with an emphasis on the fiscal agenda of the conservative party, stating “Conservative values justified by their own fiscal facts.” There is a movement amongst conservatives to “gut” social security in the United States, and to privatize health care at the expense of the sickest and most vulnerable population. However, the plenary speaker asserted that this conservative “push” to cut entitlement program spending is ideologically regulated, and not fiscally backed.
Since the 2012 election, the 113th Congress has not spared a single benefits program in their overly-ambitious hope of cutting the federal budget and drastically reducing the deficit. The word “entitlement” has become negative in conservative rhetoric and for the first time all entitlement program recipients are plagued with future insecurity. Coupled by poor cooperative efforts between the legislative and executive branches, the Disability Policy Seminar emphasized the importance of personal testimony and legislative visibility in ensuring that people with disabilities are protected from the stormy Washington climate.
Over the course of three days, the Disability Policy Seminar stressed the biggest changes for the disability community emerging from Washington, D.C: The Affordable Care Act (ACA), the ABLE Act, and SSI & SSDI. Though each session was comprehensive in breaking down unclear aspects of each policy – all of our specific policy questions were answered – the Disability Policy Seminar failed to answer one underlying concern: how our government is going to protect people with disabilities?
How an individual becomes eligible for SSI and SSDI, why the ABLE Act is under contention in Congress, and how the ACA will affect small businesses were all addressed in each concurrent session. Even the contentions of individual states were addressed in the adoption of these new policies, such as the reluctance of 26 states to accept the federal Medicaid dollars in adoption of the ACA and the autonomy of each state to define their “essential health benefits.”
That being said, the most profound sessions were the plenary sessions, where disability professionals and advocates from across the country collaborated in a single room to address the most daunting questions of disability policy. For the first plenary session, the future of disability policy was discussed. The three hurdles for the disability community addressed were the classification of I\DD in the DSM5, the current trends in Washington, D.C., and employment and education.
First, the disability community addressed the lack of common language between legislators, researchers and people in the disability community. The speaker highlighted reluctance of the DSM5 and doctors to use the word “disability” instead of “intellectual or developmental disorder”, reflecting the academic and social divide in the field. There is a strong need for collaboration amongst advocacy groups and the disability community to come up with common language that is universal across each sector of the disability field.
Second – as mentioned in the introduction – there are three trends in Washington that are threatening this country: the lack of bipartisanship, the lack of a great cause, and deficit reduction. The speaker urged the room to coalesce and share their personal stories with their representatives in Washington.
Lastly, the plenary speakers addressed the biggest challenge in education and employment: how can we use outcome definitions and their value to improve the lives of people with disabilities? The speaker addressed many ways in which success is measured in education, however, professionals are recognizing that without accurate outcome measures, the data becomes isolated in its region and even research sector. The future of disability policy as it relates to employment and education demands a restructuring of successful outcome measures in the face of increasing fiscal scrutiny.
Furthermore, in regards to the future of disability policy and supports provided for the disability community, the biggest threat has become the transition to Managed Care. Although not delved into deeply, the transition to managed care across the nation is a dire issue for the disability community. Managed care is viewed by many politicians as a cost saving and state relieving solution; however, the reality touched on by Ari Ne’man is that the managed care model has few cost savings for individuals who require long term care. Equally, managed care makes the health care provided to people with disabilities vulnerable to the budgets of state legislature. The I/DD community should demand a public comment process before passing each managed care waiver and have an active change agent represented at every level of discussion.
The idea of an “active change agent” was truly the overarching theme of the Disability Policy Seminar. As professionals, advocates, family members and supporters, the conference reminded us that it is our responsibility to be the voice and the change we need to see in government. Relying solely on the lobbying of certain politicians or the advocacy of a few is not enough to create the society in which people with disabilities can live equal and fulfilled lives. The New American Movement for People with Disabilities urges our supporters to be this active change in your local community and state – regardless of your knowledge of the ACA, Medicaid, or your feelings on deficit reduction. The disability community relies on the every voice.
4/12/2013:
The Right to Life: The Story Ends There
Forty years after the Supreme Court decision that legalized a woman’s rights over her reproductive organs, certain religious and political groups have focused their attention on constricting these liberties. In the past five years, social conservatives have relentlessly attacked the legalization of abortion and subsequently the legitimacy of a woman’s ability to govern her body.
First, some clarification on this deeply personal debate is necessary. To define the debate on abortion as either “pro-life” or “pro-choice” is misguided. Individuals who support a woman’s right to choose are not “anti-life,” but rather acknowledge that women have the ability to “choose” in all matters ranging from occupation to reproduction. This distinction is important to keep in mind when addressing individuals on either side of the issue – in fact; it is antithetical to be human and inherently “against life.”
That being said, across the country, trivial state-imposed regulations on abortion clinics and procedures are being implemented, slowly suffocating a woman’s access to affordable family planning, registered and Board Certified doctors, and ultimately her autonomy. Laws have emerged in typically more conservative states that require ultra-sounds and waiting periods, or parental consent prior to the procedure. In fact, there are currently” “four states with “only “one operational clinic.
Recently, the GOP and its socially conservative members have reinforced their historical alliance with the religious right by publicly condoning contraceptives, abortions, and funding for family planning, while simultaneously maintaining their assertion that “all” embryos have the right to life. While their beliefs in the elimination of legalized abortion are humanitarian and philanthropic, their lack of organized support of entitlement programs and funding for Human Services is contradictory to their desire to preserve life until birth.
As family planning programs are being slashed across the country and entitlement programs are increasingly strained (think unemployment, SSI, veteran’s benefits), the resources available to low-income families with children are dwindling. The question is then posed to social conservatives: if everyone has the right to life, how will the United States support more people with fewer resources?
As aforementioned, this is not intended to be criticism of the morals of individuals who identify themselves as pro-life, but rather a challenge for those social conservatives to “put their money where their mouth is.” If everyone in our country is guaranteed “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” we then must work to ensure that the basic needs of society’s most vulnerable populations are met. Social conservatives who challenge abortion must then stand fully committed to ensure that the needs of the poor and people with disabilities in this country are met with fiscal and social justice.
Standing by the right of every conceived child and mother in our country demands the fiscal back and support of our entitlement programs, not just the commitment of our hearts to life.
4/5/2013: Although this group may not know it yet, the New American Movement is an admirer and supporter of Garden State Equality. Garden State Equality, New Jersey’s largest civil rights organization, is one of many activist groups fighting for equal rights of the LGBT community, such as marriage equality and most recently, the invalidation of gay conversion therapy. Alongside the commotion being stirred at home, the invocation of equality for LGBT has taken the country by storm in recent years, with no signs of winding down.
In recent weeks, a handful of conservative Republicans – some to the dismay of others – at the state and federal level have publicly endorsed marriage equality. Their reasoning for doing so may be questionable, but nonetheless occurring at a rather steady pace. All factors combined, the United States is embarking on a societal makeover in regards to its perception of LGBT citizens. Moreover, it is refreshing to see that Garden State Equality has and continues to spearhead the movement. Politically, the organization’s biggest ‘bone to pick’ is with Governor Christie.
While it may be difficult for many to draw the connection between LGBT and disability rights, both groups are fighting for the same thing: civil rights, equality, and justice. This is portrayed by Governor Christie’s approach on pivotal issues, in which he is adamant about closing institutions and banning gay conversion therapy, yet failing to support programs (off-hour public transportation rates, Para transit funding with State dollars, Family Planning Centers for Health Care) for poor people, of which many people with disabilities belong, and to ratify marriage equality. Aside from financial and employment maladies, the treatment of these communities is at the forefront of social justice issues concerning New Jersey. It’s time for Christie to take responsibility for his inconsistency: he’s either with us or against us.
Echoing the sentiments of Garden State Equality, civil rights should not require the permission of the public. This highlights the immediate need for Christie and the legislators to commit to all aspects of social justice, rather than placing emphasis on one component over the other. Continued political wheeling in the name of social justice could have negative consequences for many political careers, and most importantly, the lives of LGBT and people with disabilities.
3/22/2013: Press release on NAM’s cooperation with ReelAbilities
3/20/2013:
The New American Movement Team went to the Senate Budget Hearing at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ to testify in front of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. Members of the Committee were attentive and cognizant of many issues raised throughout the hearing.
Representatives from higher education, healthcare and legal organizations, along with concerned citizens, testified for increased investments in their respective sectors, highlighting the grave need to pay attention to surrounding issues in order to avoid adverse repercussions for citizens. Additionally, two mothers with children with disabilities testified for continued/increased community living options for their loved ones.
Self-Advocates, Greg Felzenberg and Mark Bloom, testified on behalf of the NAMPWD team in the morning. In their letter to the legislators, Felzenberg and Bloom echoed the sentiments of many disability advocates before them, emphasizing that agencies have not seen a boost in their state budget for the past five years. Furthermore, both agreed that this is crucial for sustaining quality care in the community. Chairman Paul A. Sarlo praised Felzenberg and Bloom for their courage, enthusiasm, and dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities, adding that testimony from self-advocates leverages their role in political discourse.
3/15/2013: With the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and Wednesday’s election of an Argentinean Pope, Pope Francis I, the Catholic Church has had an unexpected opportunity for a “rebirth.” Leaving behind the controversies of Benedict XVI’s reign provides an unparalleled opportunity for the Church to derive new, progressive policies from Church doctrines and abandon the scandals of Benedict XVI’s Church. In the wake of Pope Benedict’s resignation, the New American Movement for People with Disabilities challenges the new Pope Francis I to uphold Benedict’s commitment to Love and Social Justice.
In his first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (“God is Love”), Pope Benedict reconnected the Church with God’s love. In his work, Benedict examines all types of love as they relate to faith: the love of God, love incarnate (Christ), and love of thy neighbor. It is his latter discourse – love of thy neighbor – that Christian’s find their deepest challenge.
Benedict defines “thy neighbor” as “anyone who needs me, and whom I can help,” Love of thy neighbor, does not only pertain to love for people of difference creed, race, religion or economic background, but also pertains to some of the closest and most overlooked individuals in our society: people with disabilities. Pope Benedict states in his encyclical “I can give to others much more than their outward necessities; I can give them the look of love which they crave.” In society, people with disabilities need more than a monetary contribution, clothes, food, and shelter. Though the basics are necessary, beyond that people with disabilities yearn to be an accepted part of this country, yearn for the “look of love.”
Loving thy neighbor means accepting them, in a manner that transcends the “live and let live” Lockean mantra. For people with disabilities, acceptance – giving them the “look of love” – means full integration into society. Closing all institutions, providing affordable housing in our neighborhood, and integrating our schools are the first steps to showing our acceptance and commitment to people with disabilities. As Benedict asserts, we are incapable of loving our neighbor that cannot or choose not to see. “Only my readiness to encounter my neighbor [sic] and to show him love makes me sensitive to God as well.” In this sense of the word love, no monetary pledge or charitable act will fulfill an individual’s commitment to faith – only our readiness to encounter our neighbor with a disability, suspend judgment and share the “look of love” will suffice.
The New American Movement would like to carry Pope Benedict’s message beyond the Church and into the community. The NAM Team challenges this concept of love against the prevalence of discrimination in communities. We encourage citizens that challenge the presence of supported housing for people with disabilities to reevaluate their definition of love.
3/14/13: The New American Movement Team attended the New Jersey DD Council Retreat on March 14th in Plainsboro, New Jersey. The focus of the retreat was collaboration between different self-advocacy groups throughout New Jersey and refocusing the needs of people with disabilities to form a coalition of individuals working towards the same goals.
Hillary Spears of AIDD in Washington, D.C. provided attendees with an overview of the research from AIDD on self-advocacy groups around the country. Over the years 2011 and 2012, AIDD held regional summits with self-advocates from every state to evaluate the biggest challenges facing people with disabilities and self-advocacy groups. What they discovered, however, is that self-advocates spanning the nation and US territories have very similar long term goals, signifying that people with disabilities still face the same challenges around the country regardless of each state’s unique system of support.
After discussion of the national challenges facing advocates, the retreat offered a panel discussion about the different types of advocacy groups each council member was a part of and their respective long and short term goals. Self-Advocate Myrta Rosa, representing the NAMPWD team spoke about NAMPWD’s long term goal of creating an inclusive advocacy group that includes young, old, and people of all levels of ability.
The end of the retreat brought a group discussion as to the single biggest issue facing people with disabilities in the state of New Jersey. After a vote by self-advocates in the room, it was decided that transportation was the largest obstacle. The group then spent the remainder of the day discussing innovative ways to improve the transportation of people with disabilities in New Jersey. Tackling a task as large as improving transportation in New Jersey provided an uncanny opportunity for the room to exchange ideas and strategies. The diverse suggestions based upon each advocate’s respective experience granted the New American Movement team a unique opportunity to capture the power of community, and reinvigorated our organizing efforts.
3/12/13: The New American Movement Team went to the Assembly Budget Hearing in Trenton to testify in front of the Assembly Budget Committee. Assemblyman Vincent Prieto is the Chairman of the Committee, and was actively engaged in the testimony of citizens, following the testimony with questions as to the incidence and prevalence of each issue in the state of New Jersey.
Concerned citizens testified for sustained or more funding on issues ranging from gambling, HIV/AIDs, mental illness, and resources for the aging population. To the New American Movement team’s delight, there were four testimonies in the morning session that related to people with disabilities and community living. Family members of people with disabilities as well as representatives from NJUSA testified for more community living options as well as a 3% increase in the budget toward an increase in pay for support workers. The presence of parents who have children with disabilities indicated the real need for more housing options in the community.
Self- Advocate, Greg Felzenberg, testified on behalf of the NAMWPD team in late afternoon. In his letter to the legislators, Felzenberg addressed the need for the closing of all institutions, independent funding of self-advocacy groups, and the continued need for employment for all people with disabilities. Chairman Prieto was receptive to Felzenberg’s testimony and pledged to review the written testimony further after the hearing.
3/8/2013:*NJ LEGISLATURE UPDATE*
NJ S2596
Senate Bill 2596 cleared the Senate Human Services and Senior Citizens committee with “little opposition” as reported by State Street Wire. S2596 proposes that each region — north, central, west and south — maintain one operational developmental center and that “certain factors” be considered before residents are transferred between centers.
The bill came after Senator Joseph Vitale’s participation in the DD Closure hearing last month at Montclair State University. After listening to over 6 hours and testimony and pleas from developmental center union workers, families and fearful citizens, it is no surprise that Senator Vitale sponsored such a bill.
The efforts of Vitale’s committee to completely disregard the Olmstead decision are a reflection that his interests do not align with the interests of the population that the Department of Human Services serves. His effort to maintain developmental centers does not portray the concern for human welfare (something that is generally characteristic of the Democratic Party), but rather portrays his commitment to challenge Republican politics at the expense of people with disabilities.
Vitale’s proposed bill highlights three main concerns of community living: 1) the medical needs of the resident 2) the resident’s social needs and 3) the distance between the resident of the developmental center and their family. While it is easy to be fearful of change and the unknown (in this case, the supports provided by community living), community provider agencies respond to the three challenges as follows: 1) as an accredited body, all medical needs and supports would exceed those received in developmental centers (especially provided the long history of abuse notorious with DCs.) 2) The social needs of residents are best met in the community. Each individual regardless of ability maintains the human desire for friendship and love. Individuals placed in the community will find new friendships in a comfortable home environment. 3) Community living options can be built in neighborhoods surrounding individuals’ families. The demand for affordable housing never ceases and community living will bring job opportunities and positive growth to neighborhoods.
Senator Vitale should not succumb to the pleas of his union constituents at the expenditure of people with disabilities. Equally, after listening to the concerns of developmental center’s families, Vitale should propose support services for worried families during the transition, rather than lose the opportunity to provide people with disabilities fulfilled lives in a home environment. Governor Christie asserted on March 7th that the closure of institutions will not be revisited, and continued “These [closing the institutions] are the recommendations that came out…We’ve made the decision.”
The mere suggestion that New Jersey needs to maintain one developmental center in each region is abhorrent. Keeping developmental centers open – regardless of which state they are located – undermines disability services’ progress and the basic human rights of all people, regardless of their abilities.
*NJ BUDGET UPDATE*
February 26th, 2013 Budget Address; Lawsuit with Disability Rights New Jersey
Applause reverberated throughout New Jersey on February 26th, 2013, as media headlines commended Governor Christie for his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014. One of the pivotal announcements of his speech is his plan to expand Medicaid as part of the Affordable Care Act. Christie’s inclination to accept this expansion for the greater good of the state economy is relieving. That being said, there is a bone to pick within Christie’s budget address: his settlement with Disability Rights New Jersey regarding two lawsuits concerned with institutionalization and the lack of circulation of community supports to thousands of residents with developmental disabilities.
The lawsuit charged the Department of Human Services with segregating residents with disabilities in violation of the Olmstead decision and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In response to the claims put forth, Governor Christie allotted $83 million for community placement and services in the Fiscal Year 2014 budget. This funding will support the relocation of 600 residents in developmental centers over the next five years. Furthermore, it will assist the department in reducing a waiting list of approximately 8,000 who yearn for community supports. Consequently, the Department of Human Services’ proclamation of commitment to compliance temporarily satiated the efforts of Disability Rights New Jersey.
Evidently, this settlement represents New Jersey’s incremental efforts towards deinstitutionalization as only 20% of the current population will have the ability to leave by 2017. Is this truly a deal for justice? Tell the New American Movement what you think by e-mailing us at nampwd@caunj.org or commenting on our Facebook page. Thank you for your support!
3/4/2013: *CAMPAIGN UPDATE* The New American Movement strongly advocates for the allocation of independent funds to self-advocacy groups. Our initiative began last September, in which we mailed dozens of petitions signed by self-advocates at the 2012 national SABE conference in St. Paul, Minnesota. The timing was perfect as ADD Commissioner Sharon Lewis gave updates to the audience regarding the administrations cultivation of self-advocacy. While funds will be allotted to self-advocacy technical assistance, the New American Movement believes this is simply not enough to ensure people with developmental disabilities are able to act independently. We have followed up with Sharon Lewis many times through action alerts and letters but have not received a response. Since February 2013, we have composed and mailed a revised letter to President Obama in hopes of our voices being heard. Please see below for our letter to Obama. We encourage you to write a letter or utilize our action alert as a means to continue our fight for equal treatment! Please stay tuned for updates.
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Obama,
On September 7th, 2012, The New American Movement for People with Disabilities mailed Commissioner Sharon Lewis dozens of petitions signed by self-advocates from across the country. In our preceding letter, we requested the allocation of independent funds to self-advocacy groups. The New American Movement for People with Disabilities and our supporters are writing to you in hopes of receiving a response in regards to your status on independent funding for self-advocates.
As previously indicated in Sharon Lewis’ speech at the 2012 National SABE Conference, funds will be allotted to self-advocacy technical assistance. Admittedly, this initiative is a step in the right direction; however, “self-advocacy technical assistance” does not convey nor permit the autonomy that we believe self-advocates deserve. The self-advocacy community is appreciative of the mini-grants and increased funding allocated to self-advocacy projects in general, yet we believe that if those with developmental disabilities are going to speak independently, they must equally be able to act independently.
The New American Movement for People with Disabilities alongside national self-advocates hopes that you will reconsider the allocation of funds to be independent of operational agencies.
We are looking forward to your response on this matter.
Thank you,
The New American Movement for People with Disabilities
2/28/2013: *OUTREACH UPDATE* The New American Movement has resumed its local outreach efforts, starting with Community Access Unlimited members and staff. As of February 7th, 2013, we have shown and discussed two applicable movies that concern the history of the disability rights movement, the closure of institutions, making choices, knowing your rights, empowerment and the importance of voting. The first movie, entitled, “Institutions to Independence”, drew a variety of responses from the members and staff of Cristiani, Roselle 3 and Cranford programs. Two members evoked their experiences living at state developmental centers as certain images embody a past that many try to forget. Others discussed long-term goals such as getting married, becoming a pastor, and spending the holidays with family. Many members feel empowered when they help others in need; evidently, we noticed when members were encouraging their friends to participate in our discussion. Conversely, the second movie, entitled, “Lives Worth Living”, enthralled the audience of Chestnut and Hillside 3 as members and staff was asking for extra copies at its conclusion. This proved to be an educational experience for staff as many were unaware of the struggles undergone by the disability rights movement. This discussion allowed the New American Movement to segue into the importance of voting to the history of the movement, and its implications for disability policy. We think it’s safe to say that this has been our most empowering movie yet!
2/22/2013: The New American Movement would like to remind it’s supporters that one of our coordinators, Sidney Katz, is the new Region 7 representative of Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered for the following states: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Sidney acquired this role as per the last national SABE conference in St. Paul, Minnesota. The New American Movement encourages its supporters from the aforementioned states to connect with Sidney as a means to work towards common goals, particularly public policy. For more information, please contact Sidney at skatz@caunj.org.
On Friday, February 1st, 2013, Sidney Katz participated in his first board meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. Sidney was accompanied by NAM members, Gillian Speiser and Jonathan Newler. The first portion of the meeting entailed a thorough review of the history of SABE, notable disability policy such as the ADA and Family Support Act of 1988, expectations of board members, elections and lastly, funding opportunities for board members and the larger group. Furthermore, Bryon Murray, SABE’s president, provided information regarding SABE’s current partners and promoted an opportunity open to all board members, in which one could serve on the board of the Sibling Leadership Network. Consequently, Sidney was elected as one of the consultants for their board! Board members and advisors reconvened after lunch to discuss grant committees reports via Project Vote, Autism NOW, the National Technical Assistance Center for Voting and Cognitive Access, and the National Training Initiative on Self-Determination and their respective roles in the 2014 national conference. The meeting concluded with an overview of SABE’s current topics of interest, such as a report on the best practices of employment, the National Council on Disability’s report on sub-minimum wage, a potential film on self-advocacy and information pertaining to future board meetings.
The board meeting concluded on Saturday, February 2nd, 2013, with a discussion and appointment of the various sub-committees. With that in mind, the New American Movement is proud to announce that Sidney was elected as the Vice-Chair of the Legislative Committee, alongside Gillian as the committee’s advisor. In order to refine committee activities, members are expected to create additional goals that reverberates the suggestions made by SABE members at the previous national conference. Amidst all the chatter and excitement, Bryan Murray ended the first board meeting by evoking the freshly comprised sub-committees of SABE’s overall goals:
1) Eliminate institutions;
2) Educate others about issues that are important to SABE;
3) Build a political powerhouse to work on disability legislation;
4) Promote integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities;
5) Ensure that self-advocacy is an integral component in the lives of people with disabilities and execute fundraising activities to support local, state and national self-advocacy organizations;
6) Guarantee affordable and accessible housing for people in the community.
Evidently, board members have many activities to focus on before the next board meeting on April 10th, 2013! Please stay tuned for future briefings! For more information, please contact the New American Movement at nampwd@caunj.org.
1/28/2013: A different perspective on Inauguration day: http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-914118?hpt=hp_bn1 > check it out and tell us what you think!
1/25/2013: The New American Movement Team was impressed and humbled by the words of President Obama during his second inaugural address on January 21st, 2013.
The following excerpts exemplify his commitment to equality and justice for all Americans and embody the New American Movement’s belief that with or without a disability, all Americans are entitled to the same basic rights, regardless of income, disability, race or national origin.
“We do not believe that in this country freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few. We recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives, any one of us at any time may face a job loss, or a sudden illness, or a home swept away in a terrible storm. The commitments we make to each other through Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security, these things do not sap our initiative, they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great. “.
President Obama continued by asserting that we MUST be a source of hope for the POOR, the SICK and the MARGINAZLIED.
“And we must be a source of hope to the poor, the sick, the marginalized, the victims of prejudice –- not out of mere charity, but because peace in our time requires the constant advance of those principles that our common creed describes: tolerance and opportunity, human dignity and justice. “
In other news….
An editorial piece published in the New Jersey Star Ledger on Saturday, January 19th, 2013, corporate executives of Whole Foods, Papa John’s Pizza, Denny’s (also Olive Garden and Red Lobster) have openly criticized the health care regulations implemented under theAffordable Care Act of 2009.
The New American Movement Team asserts, along with the author, that companies that thrive off of the business of low and middle income families, as well as hire individuals from this socioeconomic status should support policies that improve the quality of life for their patrons and workers.
The NAMPWD Team believes that it is deplorable that big corporations (as listed above) have considered slashing worker’s hours and raising the prices of their product in response to the Affordable Care Act’s standards.
It is ironic that corporations who target the middle class as their product market will not support improving the middle class’ well being. Cutting worker’s hours or raising product prices not only is bad for customer service, but tarnishes their brand.
1/22/2013: The NAMPWD Team would like to recognize the initiative of New Jersey legislature to study the impact of the disparity in treatment of persons with disabilities by establishing a New Jersey commission to investigate. This commission will be entitled “Disparity in Treatment of Persons with Disabilities in Underrepresented Communities Commission”. The New American Movement team looks forward to the findings of this commission in the upcoming year, as it pertains to the pillars of our movement. This act was signed into law on January 10th, 2013.
1/12/2013: The New American Movement for People with Disabilities was featured alongside Community Access Unlimited on NJ.com for our “Get Out the Vote” Initiative! You can read more here!
1/9/2013: We have finished collecting and analyzing our data for CAU’s Voter Turnout of the General Election 2012. Please check out the results and feel free to comment by sending us an e-mail at nampwd@caunj.org or posting on our Facebook and Twitter pages!