State News Archives - Page 2 of 11 - Nature: Accessible for All

News 12 NJ has released an informative segment on navigating NJ public transit for individuals with disabilities.

The New Jersey Travel Independence Program which is supported by Rutgers University teaches riders how to safely navigate buses and trains, giving participants the confidence to get to work, school and everyday activities on their own.

View the full story here – News 12 – NJ Program Helps People With Disabilities Gain Independence Through Public Transit

United Spinal is calling on disability advocates. For years, Medicare rules have forced wheelchair users to pay the full cost of a carbon fiber or titanium frame out of pocket. But on July 20, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a fix.

The Choices for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 1703/S. 247) requires Medicare to create billing codes so you pay only the difference for an ultralight frame. It costs taxpayers nothing. The bill moved because of advocates like you, who put it in front of their representatives at this year’s Roll on Capitol Hill.

This is a bipartisan sponsored that know needs the Senate to approve it next. Your Senators need to hear from you today!

You can use this link – Advocacy Action created by United Spinal to contact your senators for this issue.

The new legislative session has begun and continued advocacy for smart policies that will help New Jersey build a safer, more accessible transportation future is needed. The list below includes some bills which are important for safe and accessible outdoor passive recreation. Stay tuned for updates!

• H.R.9041 – America Bikes Act establishes programs to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and incentivize the use of bicycles in transit.
• H.R.7751 – Parks to People Active Transportation Act, requires the DOT to establish a grant program for community greenways.

Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. At the Spina Bifida Resource Network (SBRN), they believe that advocacy is one of the most powerful ways to improve the lives of individuals with Spina Bifida and other disabilities. Yet many people aren’t sure what advocacy really means, how public policy affects their daily lives, or how they can become involved.

That’s why SBRN is launching a new program, Advocacy in Action. Designed to educate, empower, and inspire members of our community to become effective advocates.
Beginning in mid-August, they’ll offer a series of four weekly educational sessions designed to provide a strong foundation in advocacy. Sessions are expected to be held in the early evening and will be offered both in person and virtually. Final dates and locations will be announced soon.
Whether you’ve never contacted an elected official or have years of experience sharing your story, these sessions are for you.

Sessions explore topics such as:
– The basics of government. Our first session will include an introduction to basics of government and how decisions are made. Including the roles of local, state, and federal officials, and how advocacy efforts can help influence policies that impact our community.
– How to effectively communicate with legislators and decision-makers.
– The power of sharing your personal story
– Ways to get involved with SBRN’s advocacy efforts throughout the year.
You don’t need prior experience, just a willingness to learn and a desire to help create positive change.
By participating, you’ll become part of a growing network of advocates working to ensure that the voices of individuals with Spina Bifida and their families are heard. Every conversation, every email, every meeting, and every story shared has the potential to make a lasting impact.
If you’re interested in learning more or participating in this exciting new initiative please complete the attached interest form here and email back to SBRN at info@thesbrn.org Questions? Email them at info@thesbrn.org or call the office at 908-782-7475

Atlantic County is making efforts to provide a resource for individuals with disabilities looking for opportunities to enjoy the summer fun at the beach with their guide to accessing Beaches & Surf Chairs for People with Disabilities

Please note that information in this guide is subject to change. It is recommended to check the municipality’s website or call before you visit to verify the information.

View the county website for more information – Beach Accessibility | Atlantic County, NJ

The Cape May County Division of Aging and Disability Services provides a great resource for individuals with disabilities looking for opportunities to enjoy the summer fun at the beach with their guide to accessing Cape May County’s Beaches & Surf Chairs for People with Disabilities

In this guide, information on accessible beaches, walkways, ramps, parking, and surf chair availability, as well as beach fees, lifeguard hours, and amenities, is readily available.

The guide is organized alphabetically by town and provides municipal phone numbers and websites for updated information. Please note that information in this guide is subject to change. It is recommended to check the municipality’s website or call before you visit to verify the information.

View the brochure here – Cape-May-County-Beach-Accessibility-Guide-PDF