URGENT: NJ State budget cuts for CILs

Apr 2, 2025 | Announcement, News, Take Action, Top

URGENT:

NJ STATE BUDGET CUTS FOR CILs

Help Restore State Funding for CILs

NJ’s 12 Centers for Independent Living are facing a $3 million loss in funding in the state’s budget proposed by the Governor. This funding loss, if approved, will have a devastating impact on the services and assistance that ACI and NJ’s other centers provide to people with disabilities and their families throughout the state.

If passed by the state legislature, the funding loss will take effect on July 1st. We must act quickly to prevent this from happening!

What can you do?

Email or call the leadership in the state legislature and let them know about the vital services NJ CIL’s provide. Urge them to restore the money in the state’s budget.

They want to hear from you!

Sample Letter Templates

To make it easy for you, here are some template letters to use:

Sample Letter from Person with a Disability
Sample Letter from Family Member
Sample Letter from Supporter

Make your letters personal.
If you’re emailing, please use
Protecting Funding for Centers for Independent Living
in the subject line.

Who to write to
Send out as many letters as you can!
Thanks you for showing your support!

Letter from Person with Disability

Letter from Family Member

Letter from Supporter

WHO TO WRITE TO

Dear hipcil Friends,

The 12 New Jersey Centers for Independent Living (CILs), have lost their line-item funding from the state budget. This decision represents a devastating setback to the disability community. The centers provide essential, life-changing services that enable individuals with disabilities to live independently, confidently, and with dignity. Serving all 21 New Jersey counties, the CILs provided over 102,000 consumer services last year alone, demonstrating their far-reaching impact. For decades, CILs have been a cornerstone of support, offering programs and resources that improve quality of life, foster self-sufficiency, and nurture inclusivity.

While it is understandable that the state is facing financial pressures and preparing for potential federal funding cuts, it is profoundly disheartening and unacceptable that these budgetary constraints have come at the expense of some of our most vulnerable community members. Disabled individuals often encounter countless barriers in their day-to-day lives, and CILs have been a critical force in breaking down those barriers and championing their rights.

Moreover, eliminating funding for CILs is not a cost-effective decision for the state of New Jersey, especially in light of the potential federal funding cuts.

The services provided by CILs not only empower individuals with disabilities but also generate significant cost savings for the state. By enabling individuals to live independently and reducing their reliance on institutional care or other more expensive state-funded programs, CILs help alleviate financial burdens on the state budget. Cutting this funding will ultimately lead to higher long-term costs for New Jersey, making it a shortsighted decision.

The impact of this funding loss extends far beyond the centers themselves.

It directly affects disabled CIL employees, thousands of individuals and families who depend on these services for their independence and well-being. Many of these individuals face unique challenges that cannot be adequately addressed without the comprehensive support and advocacy that CILs provide. From accessible housing, assistive technology and employment assistance to education, case management and community integration, the services offered by CILs are irreplaceable.

Despite this setback, we remain hopeful and determined. Solutions must be found to restore this critical funding and ensure the survival of our centers. The centers are more than just service providers; they are lifelines, safe spaces, and sources of empowerment. They play a vital role in creating a more inclusive society where individuals can thrive.

We urge community members and consumer advocates to come together and fight for the reinstatement of this funding. Please contact your local NJ legislative offices and voice your concerns, “Restore State funding for the Centers for Independent Living”. The future of thousands depends on it. The work we do at the 12 New Jersey Centers for Independent Living is too important to abandon, and we are committed to the empowerment for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Sincerely,

Marily Gonzalez-Escobar

URGENTE:
RECORTES AL PRESUPUESTO

DEL ESTADO DE NUEVA JERSEY

PARA LOS CILs

Estimados amigos,

Nos dirigimos a ustedes con profundo pesar, ya que los 12 Centros de Vida Independiente (CILs) de Nueva Jersey han perdido su financiamiento asignado en el presupuesto estatal. Esta decisión representa un retroceso devastador para la comunidad de personas con discapacidades, afectando no solo a los centros en sí, sino también a los miles de individuos que dependen de ellos para vivir con independencia, dignidad y una mejor calidad de vida.

Los CILs, que sirven los 21 condados de Nueva Jersey, brindaron más de 102,000 servicios a consumidores solo el año pasado, demostrando el impacto profundo de nuestro trabajo. Durante décadas, hemos sido un pilar de apoyo para las personas con discapacidades, ofreciendo programas y recursos que fomentan la autosuficiencia, la inclusión y el empoderamiento. Los servicios que ofrecen los CILs van desde vivienda accesible y tecnología asistiva hasta asistencia laboral, educación, manejo de casos e integración comunitaria, todos servicios que son indispensables para muchos en nuestra comunidad.

Si bien comprendemos los desafíos financieros que enfrenta el estado y la posibilidad de recortes en los fondos federales, es profundamente doloroso e inaceptable que estas restricciones presupuestarias vengan a expensas de algunos de nuestros ciudadanos más vulnerables. Las personas con discapacidades ya enfrentan numerosas barreras para la independencia, y los CILs han sido una fuerza fundamental para derribar esos obstáculos, abogar por sus derechos y ayudarlos a vivir con confianza en la sociedad.

Además, eliminar el financiamiento para los CILs no es una decisión costo-efectiva para Nueva Jersey. Al permitir que las personas vivan de manera independiente y reducir su dependencia del cuidado institucional o de otros programas estatales más costosos, los CILs generan ahorros significativos para el estado. Recortar este financiamiento llevará a costos a largo plazo mucho mayores, lo que hace que esta decisión sea corta de miras y perjudicial.

Las consecuencias de esta pérdida de financiamiento van más allá de los centros en sí. Afecta directamente a los empleados discapacitados de los CILs, así como a los miles de individuos y familias que dependen de nuestros servicios para su independencia y bienestar. Son personas que enfrentan desafíos únicos que no pueden ser adecuadamente atendidos sin el apoyo integral, la defensa y los recursos que los CILs brindan.

A pesar de este revés, seguimos siendo optimistas y decididos. Debemos encontrar soluciones para restaurar este financiamiento crucial y asegurar que nuestros centros puedan continuar con el trabajo vital que realizamos. Los CILs no solo son proveedores de servicios; son salvavidas, espacios seguros y fuentes de empoderamiento. Ayudamos a crear una sociedad más inclusiva donde todas las personas tengan la oportunidad de prosperar.

Les pedimos que se unan a nosotros en la defensa para reinstaurar este financiamiento. Comuníquese con las oficinas legislativas locales de NJ y exprese su preocupación: “Restaurar el financiamiento estatal para los Centros de Vida Independiente.” El futuro de miles de personas y sus familias depende de ello. El trabajo que realizamos es demasiado importante para abandonarlo, y estamos comprometidos con nuestra misión de empoderar a las personas con discapacidades.

Gracias por su apoyo.

Atentamente,

New Jersey State Legislature

SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Paul A. Sarlo (D),
36^th District (Parts of Bergen and Passaic), Chair,
Email: sensarlo@njleg.org,
Tel: 201-804-8118

Linda R. Greenstein (D),
14^th District (Parts of Mercer and Middlesex), Vice-Chair,
Email: sengreenstein@njleg.org,
Tel: 609-395-9911

Carmen F. Amato, Jr (R),
9^th District (Part of Ocean),
Email: senamato@njleg.org,
Tel: 609-693-6700

Renee C. Burgess (D),
28^th District (Parts of Essex and Union),
Email: senburgess@njleg.org,
Tel: 862-231-6577

John J. Burzichelli (D),
3^rd District (All of Salem and parts of Cumberland and Gloucester),
Email: asmburzichelli@njleg.org,
Tel: 856-226-3530

Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez (D),
5^th District (Parts of Camden and Gloucester),
Email: sencruzperez@njleg.org,
Tel: 856-541-1251

Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr (D),
18^th District (Part of Middlesex),
Email: sendiegnan@njleg.org,
Tel: 908-757-1677

Gordon M. Johnson (D),
37^th District (Part of Bergen),
Email: sengordon@njleg.org,
Tel: 201-308-7060

Declan J. O’Scanlon, Jr (R),
13^th District (Part of Monmouth),
Email: senoscanlon@njleg.org,
Tel: 732-444-1838

M. Teresa Ruiz (D),
29^th District (Parts of Essex and Hudson),
Email: senruiz@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-484-1000

Douglas J. Steinhardt (R),
23^rd District (Parts of Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren),
Email: sensteinhardt@njleg.org,
Tel: 908-835-0552

Michael L. Testa Jr (R),
1^st District (All of Cape May and parts of Atlantic and Cumberland),
Email: sentesta@njleg.org,
Tel: 609-778-2012

Andrew Zwicker (D),
16^th District (Parts of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset),
Email: senzwicker@njleg.org,
Tel: 908-308-8672

GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUDGET COMMITTEE

Eliana Pintor Marin (D),
29^th District (Part of Essex), Chair,
Email: aswpintormarin@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-589-0713

Benjie E. Wimberly (D),
35^th District (Parts of Bergen and Passaic), Vice-Chair,
Email: asmwimberly@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-925-7061

Al Barlas (R),
40^th District (Parts of Bergen, Essex and Passaic),
Email: asmbarlas@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-237-1362

Herb Conaway, Jr (D),
7^th District (Part of Burlington),
Email: asmconaway@njleg.org,
Tel: 856-461-3997

Aura K. Dunn (R),
25^th District (Parts of Morris and Passaic),
Email: aswdunn@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-206-1876

Roy Freiman (D),
16th District (Parts of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset),
Email: asmfreiman@njleg.org,
Tel: 908-829-4191

Nancy F. Munoz (R),
21^st District (Parts of Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union),
Email: aswmunoz@njleg.org,
Tel: 908-918-0414

Carol A. Murphy (D),
7^th District (Part of Burlington),
Email: aswmurphy@njleg.org,
Tel: 856-242-2018

Ellen J. Park (D),
37^th District (Part of Bergen),
Email: aswpark@njleg.org,
Tel: 201-308-7062

Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D),
15th District (Parts of Hunterdon and Mercer),
Email: aswreynoldsjackson@njleg.org,
Tel: 609-571-9638

Gabriel Rodriguez (D),
33^rd District (Part of Hudson),
Email: asmrodriguez@njleg.org,
Tel: 201-223-4247

Brian E. Rumpf (R),
9^th District (Part of Ocean),
Email: asmrumpf@njleg.org,
Tel: 609-693-6700

Gary S. Schaer (D),
36^th District (Parts of Bergen and Passaic),
Email: asmschaer@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-249-3665

Gerry Scharfenberger (R),
13^th District (Part of Monmouth),
Email: asmscharfenberger@njleg.org,
Tel: 732-856-9294

Michael Venezia (D),
34^th District (Part of Essex),
Email: asmvenezia@njleg.org,
Tel: 973-450-0484

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Letter September 2024

Sep 30, 2024 | Announcement, From the Desk, News, Top

To my colleagues and friends:

As I approach my 50th year working under the recommendations and mandates of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; as amended I feel the need to reflect on my service to ensure that people with disabilities were able to realize career dreams, enjoy the power to make informed choices about lifestyles and employment and to manage their lives independently under the mantra, “nothing about us without us”.

I started my career working under Title I of the Act as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor crafting plans designed to lead to employment in jobs for which people with disabilities were eminently qualified. I moved on to manage the In-Service Training Program for the agency which not only renewed and replenished the skills of the VR Counselors, but we raised the education to a master’s level increasing the counseling staff skills to better serve the consumers.

Moving on to the administrative level of DVRS I was able to affect policy and carry out programs through thoughtful funding and innovative programs that met the needs of an ever-evolving consumer population that demanded increased options and opportunities. My last 10 years with the agency were at the Executive level where I had the opportunity to see both sides of the organization and brought them together to best serve job seekers with disabilities.

Finally, after leaving DVRS and joining the Independent Living movement I was able to revisit my enthusiasm about the excitement of seeing people with disabilities thrive in their communities.

My goal for HIPCIL was always to strengthen services to the people of Hudson County and in the mid 1980’s I was able to convince the administration of DVRS to provide space in the Jersey City office to nurture a satellite program. Our founder Eileen Goff was able to skillfully apply to the US Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and secure the federal funds for a free-standing agency, Our Hudson County Unit was successfully thriving on its own.

I retired from DVRS and was invited to apply to take over from Eileen to be the President/CEO of this great agency. Having been born and raised in Hudson County I recognized the unique needs of its citizens with disabilities. The needs of the citizens of both Hudson and Bergen Counties were shifting amid changing economic and ethnic demographics and I knew that both counties would benefit by combining staff members with specific skill sets and talents to be useful in both communities. I am happy to report that we have made great strides in staffing and have increased our ability to expand services.

Earlier this year I proposed a succession plan to the Board of Trustees to gradually include Marily Gonzalez our VP/COO in more activities in Bergen in anticipation for her to take the reins and lead HIPCIL as the President/CEO beginning 10-1-2024. We will continue to maintain our presence in both counties.

My transition will be to offer my services as a consultant. As I reflect on a long and satisfying career in public service and the nonprofit world I plan to focus on my continued interest in disability services, policy and advocacy, age-friendly initiatives and college options for people with developmental disabilities though community college programs.

While I can proudly look back on a fulfilling career, I will also anticipate the great things to come. Thank you for all the work that you do every day.

Sincerely,

Brian Fitzgibbons

Brian

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Blindness is a spectrum

Aug 14, 2023 | News

Blindness isn’t a tragic binary — it’s a rich spectrum

When does vision loss become blindness? Writer, audio producer and editor Andrew Leland explains how his gradual loss of vision revealed a paradoxical truth about blindness — and shows why it might have implications for how all of us see the world.

TED Talks Link

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hipcil Accessible Door Opener Push Button

May 15, 2023 | News

New
Accessible Door Opener Push Button
hipcil Hackensack Office

We have modified the front door in our Hackensack location so we can have access for everyone.

Entering to the office

Leaving the office

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Barbie doll with Down syndrome

Apr 26, 2023 | News

Mattel unveils its first Barbie doll with Down syndrome

WASHINGTON — Toy company Mattel revealed its first Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome on Tuesday.

Mattel collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society to create the Barbie and “ensure the doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome,” the company said.

Design features of the new Barbie were made under guidance from NDSS, Mattel said. In addition to portraying some physical characteristics of a person with Down syndrome, the Barbie’s clothing and accessories carry special meaning.

The blue and yellow on the doll’s dress, accompanied by butterflies, represent symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness. And the three chevrons on the Barbie’s necklace represent how people with Down syndrome have three copies of their 21st chromosome, Mattel said.

In addition, the Barbie wears ankle foot orthotics, which some children with Down syndrome use.

Mattel’s first Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome.
Mattel’s first Barbie doll representing a person with Down syndrome.Mattel, Inc. via AP
“This means so much for our community, who for the first time, can play with a Barbie doll that looks like them,” NDSS President and CEO Kandi Pickard said in a statement. “This Barbie serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Down syndrome is the “most common chromosomal condition” diagnosed in the U.S. today. About 6,000 babies are born across the country each year with Down syndrome, the CDC said.

Barbie’s new doll representing a person with Down syndrome is part of Mattel’s 2023 Fashionistas line, which is aimed at increasing diversity and inclusivity. Previous dolls that have been introduced to the Fashionistas line include a Ken doll with a prosthetic leg, a Barbie with hearing aids and dolls with a skin condition called vitiligo.

“We are proud to introduce a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to better reflect the world around us and further our commitment to celebrating inclusion through play,” Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, said in a statement.

April 26, 2023, 9:01 AM EDT / Source: Associated Press