Atlantic Center For Independent Living

02/05/2026

Check out our February Newsletter for updates on our support groups, workshops and activities. Email Jen at jburke@atlanticcil.org to recieve our monthly newsletter with clickable links by email each month.

02/05/2026

The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University is pleased to announce that the Atlantic Center for Independent Living () is continuing their sponsorship for our shared "Access to Art" programming series. This sponsorship will bring art workshops to individuals with disabilities in Atlantic County from March through December 2026.

📸 Photo is of instructor Danette Gotta teaching painting to individuals from the ARC of Atlantic County in fall 2025, taken by our previous Stockton University Communication Studies intern Hanna Wilson.

02/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GbBiJLarp/

NEW: 9 U.S. states are suing the federal government to fight the "integration mandate," which allows people with disabilities to receive services in the community rather than in institutions. If they are successful, more people with disabilities may be forced into institutions, when they can and want to live in the community instead. The disability community has fought long and hard for strong disability rights laws, and we cannot allow them to be weakened.

01/27/2026

In case you missed our informative Know Your Rights webinar series on Personal Care Assistant Services you can now watch the recorded webinars and review the presentation slides on our website here:

📌https://disabilityrightsnj.org/resource/personal-care-assistant/

You can find resources on many topics related to , , and more at our Self Advocacy Resource Center: https://disabilityrightsnj.org/resource-library/self-advocacy-resource-center/

01/27/2026

01/25/2026

Our office will be closed on Monday, 1/26/26, due to the snow. However, our virtual support groups will still meet as scheduled.
Hope to see you there!⛄❄

Life Skills | Monday | 1:00pm | Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83007585374?pwd=McU3UFciKbQjIltuB1kk9yLjCRufQp.1
Call In: 1-346-248-7799 | Meeting ID: 830 0758 5374 | Passcode: 248110

Sketchbook Club | Monday | 3:30pm | Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83854391536?pwd=YWtFekQyeE9wTlBqdVpkQVIvRUdiQT09
Call In: 1-309-205-3325 | Meeting ID: 838 5439 1536

01/23/2026

Today we celebrate Ed Roberts, the "Father of the Independent Living Movement." He emphasized disability as a source of strength and challenged societal perceptions, famously saying, "Disability is Strength. Our number one issue is still old attitudes toward us, and those old attitudes see us as helpless and unable and disability can make you very strong and very able". He also noted the power of belief in self-determination, stating that "Independent Living is a psychological idea much more than a physical concept," and that others are inspired when they see people with disabilities take control of their lives.

https://edrobertsandassociates.org/

01/22/2026

Life Skills | Thursday | 6pm | Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85063153999?pwd=NmJXd1ZUUHhpUkxneExISEJQWk8xQT09
Call In: 1-646-931-3860 | Meeting ID: 850 6315 3999 | Passcode 154100
This activity is free and open to all.

01/20/2026

Socialization and Wellbeing Group | Tuesday | 1pm | Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88558466172
Call In: 1-301-715-8592 | Meeting ID: 885 5846 6172
This activity is free and open to all.

01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring message of hope, unity, and justice. Let’s continue to lead with empathy and stand up for what’s right, today and every day.

Our office will be closed today and will reopen during our regular hours tomorrow.

01/15/2026

📣 Announcing a new webinar led by the Garden State Coalition For Care ( ) on the impact of to help individuals with disabilities and their support system "be aware, be alert, and be informed!"

🔹"Protecting Your Care: Medicaid & SNAP Changes and How They Impact You"
🔹Monday, January 26th, 1pm to 2:15pm

👉Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qV-NK_9cSvCOsdfQp6ZeUg #/registration

The impact of HR 1, previously called One Big Beautiful Bill, can be confusing and scary. Garden State Coalition for Care developed this webinar with the expertise of advocates who understand these systems firsthand and are committed to making this information clear, respectful, and useful for everyone.

This free webinar is for anyone who receives or (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, anyone who helps support them, and anyone who cares about protecting access to health care in New Jersey.

What You Will Learn:

☑️We will explain HR 1 and what changes may be coming, and what those changes could mean for your health care supports and services.

☑️Most importantly, we will share simple, practical steps you can take to protect your care, and if needed, organizations to reach out to for support.

☑️You will leave this webinar with information and tools you need to feel informed, prepared, and empowered.

Who Should Attend?

🔸People who currently receive Medicaid and/or SNAP
🔸Family members and caregivers
🔸People with disabilities of any kind
🔸People who use behavioral health, physical health, housing, or community services
🔸Advocates, peers, providers, and community supporters
🔸Anyone concerned about access to care in New Jersey, whether that be access to health care or nutritional care

At the conclusion of the information session, we will hold a to answer as many questions as we can. You may submit your questions in advance, upon registration.

👉You can also register and find more resources at disabilityrightsnj.org/GSCC/