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DAWNcil Recreation Event

January 30th - 'Dinner and Marcade' at Rockaway Townsquare Mall!

Come join us for a night of food and fun at Rockaway Townsquare Mall! Our 'Dinner and Marcade' event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a tasty meal with friends followed by some exciting games at the arcade.

What: Gather in the food court (in front of Nathan's Hot Dogs) to check in and grab some dinner before we all head downstairs to Marcade!

Cost: Please plan to bring enough to cover both your dinner at the food court and your time at Marcade. It is $22 for two hours at Marcade!

Here is the link to Marcade's pricing: https://marcade.us/

Honoring Ed Roberts: The Father of Independent Living

Each January 23rd, we celebrate Ed Roberts Day and reflect on the extraordinary legacy of a man who reshaped the future of disability rights. Often called the father of the Independent Living movement, Ed Roberts challenged assumptions, opened doors, and insisted that people with disabilities deserve full control over their own lives.

After contracting polio at fourteen, Ed refused to accept the limits others placed on him. His groundbreaking enrollment at UC Berkeley, and the activism he led with the “Rolling Quads”, sparked the creation of the first Center for Independent Living, a model that continues to empower communities nationwide.

Ed’s leadership extended far beyond Berkeley. As Director of the California Department of Rehabilitation, he championed policies that expanded access, advanced equity, and strengthened the disability rights movement.

Ed Roberts Day is a reminder of his core belief: independence means having the freedom, support, and respect to make your own choices. His vision continues to guide Centers for Independent Living and everyone committed to building a more accessible and inclusive world.

Click here to watch a short video in remembrance of Ed Roberts.

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In the News

January is Braille Literacy Month!

In honor of Louis Braille’s birthday, we celebrate the importance of braille and its continued relevance in today’s high‑tech world. Paths to Literacy offers activities, videos, and resources for families, educators, and children—including the Louis Braille Timeline Game, introductory videos, and creative ways to help young learners explore tactile books and beginning braille skills.

You’ll also find helpful tools for all children learning braille, sources for free braille books, and a variety of learning options for parents and adults, from Hadley courses to UEB Online. Explore these materials to support braille literacy at home, in school, and in the community!

Protecting Your Care: Medicaid & SNAP Changes and What They Mean for You

Monday, January 26, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM

Big changes may be coming to Medicaid and SNAP under HR 1—and they could impact your health care and supports. Join our free webinar to:

• Understand what HR 1 means for you
• Learn practical steps to protect your care
• Get connected to resources and organizations that can help



This session is designed for anyone who receives Medicaid or SNAP benefits, caregivers, advocates, and anyone concerned about access to care in New Jersey.

Learn more about the Garden State Coalition for Care here.

New Jersey Department of Health and Department of Human Services Expand Access to Hospital Care and Outpatient Services for State’s Most Vulnerable Residents

On December 16, the NJ Department of Health and NJ Department of Human Services announced federal approval of approximately $540 million in funding for State Fiscal Year 2026. This investment will help hospitals care for uninsured residents and enhance outpatient services for Medicaid patients.

The initiative reinforces New Jersey’s commitment to ensuring that everyone—regardless of income or insurance status—can access essential health care. By strengthening hospital resources and supporting safety-net programs, the state continues its efforts to improve care for underserved communities.

Read the full NJ DHS Press Release in English and Spanish.

Free Webinars - NJ Division of Disability Services

ABLE Webinar Series

Join Mark Raymond, Jr and other ABLE experts to learn about ABLE Accounts for FREE. Mark will do a 30 minute presentation covering all ABLE topics:

• What is ABLE
• Who qualifies
• How it works
• And much more

After the presentation, participants have the opportunity to ask questions live. An ASL interpreter will be provided.

Register for the Intro to ABLE webinar on January 26th

1/26/2026 @ 7:00 p.m.

ACI's Protect Medicaid Coalition

The Protect Medicaid Coalition brings together more than 40 disability organizations, Centers for Independent Living, individual advocates, non-profits, and allies—all united to safeguard Medicaid for those who need it most.

According to KFF, over 1.9 million New Jersey residents rely on Medicaid, alongside 80 million people nationwide. Of these, 17% are individuals with disabilities and seniors—communities that depend on Medicaid for essential care and independence.

Want to be part of the Coalition?

Contact Luke Koppisch at lkoppisch@adacil.org.