Part One: Making Nature in New Jersey More Accessible

January 4, 2023 by Amanda Ruggiero

In this first blog of a multi-part series, we explore the importance of making sure both public and private natural resources are available to all who want to enjoy being outdoors in New Jersey.

While there are activities where accommodations may be impossible for some, New Jersey offers a vast array of natural experiences for all.

New Jersey is known as the Garden State but make no mistake, in addition to gardens and farms galore, NJ boasts more than 452,000 acres of natural and historic property including forests, parks, and recreation areas. Visitors are invited to take part in a variety of activities including biking, hiking, camping, boating, swimming, and picnicking.

Survey Shows: Americans with Disabilities are a Major Voting Block

October 24, 2022 by Amanda Ruggiero

There is still time to request an absentee ballot in New Jersey

Do you want to vote in the 2022 midterm elections but are unable to get to your assigned voting place on Nov. 8, 2022? No problem!

By November 1, 2022 you can request a mail-in paper ballot. Start by pressing this link: https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/vote-by-mail.shtml

Be sure to follow all directions. Don’t forget to return your ballot! It must be put in a drop box, returned to your County Board of Elections or postmarked by Nov 8, 2022, for your vote to be counted.

You can also go to an in person early voting location from Oct. 26 – Nov. 6. You can find a location in your County and hours here.

Advocate for the Disability Community in New Jersey: Your Voice Matters

July 18, 2022 by Amanda Ruggiero

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the world hard. Life came to a screeching halt, and for almost two years everything we did, like how we work, our interactions, and even getting food and common household staples became challenges.

For the disability community, life became even harder and the world even narrower. Many with sensory conditions found themselves unable to wear masks and shop. People saw their services shuttered and their hard-won skill progression erode.

Five Things People with Disabilities Should Know About Voting

October 29, 2020June 12, 2020 by Burt Brooks

Know Your Voting Rights

The election is right around the corner, taking place on Tuesday, November 3. At Easterseals New Jersey, we want voting to be as easy and accessible an experience as possible. That’s why we have put together a list of five things voters with disabilities need to know about their voting rights, how they can vote, and where to turn should they have any questions.

The upcoming election will be a vote-by-mail election. However, if you are unable to vote by mail, in-person voting will be available in at least one polling place per municipality. Please contact your local County Clerk for more information on available locations and accommodations.
Voting is your right as a citizen and no one should tell you otherwise. If you are experiencing challenges voting, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683). You can also request assistance in voting by filling out our 2020 Voting Pledge!
Polling places MUST be accessible to disabled voters. Do not be afraid to speak up if you feel your rights are being violated. To learn more about voting rights in New Jersey, please check out the State Division of Elections Voter Rights and Accessibility webpage here.
You are allowed to, but not required to have someone help you vote. For in-person voting, this can be a poll-worker or someone you bring with you. Any person may assist you in completing a vote-by-mail ballot.
You have the right to vote privately and independently. If someone is violating your right to vote privately and independently, please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) to report your situation and receive assistance.

This only a shortlist of important items, so please let us know if you have any additional questions about how to ensure you can vote in 2020. You can also check out our Voting Information Center website for more detailed information and helpful voting tools.

Happy voting!

YOU Count, so Be Counted: 2020 Census

April 29, 2020April 1, 2020 by Burt Brooks

Why Should I Fill Out the Census?

Because it’s important to people with disabilities and their families!

Hands,raised,raised hands,arms,up - free image from needpix.com

Every 10 years, the United States counts everyone who lives in the country, regardless of age, nationality or ability. It is important that everyone – especially individuals and families living with a disability – respond to the 2020 Census. Information collected in the Census will inform the allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funds for states and communities each year for the next decade. That includes money for services that ensure people with disabilities have access to the supports they need to thrive!

It’s Time for a Direct Service Professional Wage Increase in NJ

February 27, 2020February 23, 2020 by Burt Brooks

Senator Stephen Sweeney (primary sponsor) and Senator Troy Singleton have put forward a bill in the New Jersey legislature that would increase direct support professional (DSP) wages in the state.

As the bill’s “statement” makes clear, DSP wages are becoming unsustainable at their current levels as the cost of living rises. See below:

“At an average starting salary of $12 per hour, DSP wages are not competitive, with an increasing number of retailers paying $15 to $18 per hour and New Jersey’s minimum wage on a path to $15 per hour for entry-level jobs that are far less demanding. To compound the issue, there is a growing DSP shortage that is threatening the safety and health of individuals with I/DD living in community settings.”

#DisabledAndCute – How Author Keah Brown Is Taking On Negative Body Images, One Word at a Time

July 19, 2018June 8, 2018 by Zach Caruso

When you read a piece from Keah Brown, you realize a few things. The first is that she is a tremendously talented writer. The second is that she has a unique perspective that brings to life stories and experiences that need to be shared. We were privileged enough to interview her to discuss her thoughts surrounding media, negative body-images, and disability.

My Independent Life Between a Walker and the Wheelchair

July 19, 2018December 31, 2017 by William Volkmann

Wheelchair vs. Walker

Hi, my name is William Volkmann, I am a 38 year old guy living with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The CP affects me physically and when I was younger I used a walker to help me get around. At nine years old, I was able to walk without any assistant device, but when I turned 27 I developed a medical issue that required me to use a walker again. After a few years of using it again, I noticed it was actually better to use a combination of a walker and wheelchair. I realized that if I wanted to go do anything outdoors,

5 Essential Tips on How to Shut Down Offensive Labels

January 2, 2018July 26, 2017 by Burt Brooks

A War of Words: “Politically Correct” vs “Plain Speaking”

Political Correction for the Politically Incorrect Labels

When it comes to the community of persons with disabilities and special needs, labels are a hot topic. We use certain words to describe individuals or ourselves. Unfortunately, words have the power to hurt feelings and limit expectations. We’d rather those words NOT be used to label us. On the other hand,

The Truth about Medicaid in New Jersey

June 23, 2017June 20, 2017 by Burt Brooks

As this article is being written, the Senate Republicans are drafting a bill behind closed doors that could repeal The Affordable Care Act and replace it with the American Healthcare Act. The bill, as it currently stands after being passed through the House, would convert the current Medicaid expansion into “block grants,” shifting program costs over to the states. This provision has the potential to dramatically