New Jersey Makes Progress On Disability Access: 8 Encouraging Stories

NEW JERSEY — There are still many problems that New Jersey needs to work on when it comes to disability access. But communities and agencies across the state have been making progress over the past year – and awareness continues to grow.

Patch took a moment to round up some recent good news stories involving disability access in New Jersey. Check them out below.

JOBS

Far too many people with disabilities continue to be “unemployed and under-employed” – even though the nation continues to struggle with a hiring crisis, according to Easterseals New Jersey, the largest disability services nonprofit in the state.

The proof is in the pudding, advocates say. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, not even one in five people with a disability was employed in 2021, while nearly two-thirds of people without a disability had jobs.

But there are many ways to help turn this discouraging number around, advocates add.

Workplaces across the state have been taking a fresh look at how they hire, retain and assist employees with disabilities.

For some employers, inclusivity takes place on the hiring level. That includes Ethan and the Bean, a café with a special mission: boost the employment rate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• See Related: Coffee Shop Staffed By Those With Disabilities Opens In Morris County

Meanwhile, as businesses across New Jersey continue to face staffing challenges, a restaurant in Princeton recently welcomed back a valuable workforce – people with disabilities.

The Salt Creek Grille has partnered with Eden Autism to provide students with work experience. Through Eden School’s Transition to Employment program, students learn skills for jobs in restaurants, offices, retail, hospitality and other paid employment opportunities.

Hugh Preece, president and operating partner of Salt Creek Grille, said hiring students with special needs is a “win-win” situation.

“People with disabilities amaze you and you learn from them on a daily basis as they learn from you,” Preece said.

• See Related: Princeton Restaurant Welcomes People With Disabilities To Workforce
• See Related: NJ Women Help Other Deaf Employees Find Equality In The Workplace

SPORTS

Gary Noll – a longtime sports booster and advocate – recently reached out to Patch to congratulate some of his favorite teams for taking steps to raise awareness for fans who are deaf and hard of hearing. They include the New Jersey Devils, who play their home games at the Prudential Center in Newark.

Noll, who was born deaf and grew up in a deaf household, has been an ardent advocate for closed/live captions that capture the dialogue from announcers and broadcasters. It’s a simple move that could make thousands of people feel much more welcome when they go to see a game, the North Jersey resident says.

Another way that stadiums can reach out to fans who can't hear is to boost their use of American Sign Language (ASL), Noll says.

Noll has previously congratulated the Devils – who play at the Prudential Center in Newark – for being one of the only Tri-State arenas that has four closed captioning (CC) areas on scoreboards in the corner. See Related: Deaf NJ Sports Fan Says Awareness Is Rising At Arenas, Stadiums

SMOKE DETECTORS

The East Orange Fire Department recently launched a free smoke alarm program for residents with visual and hearing impairments.

According to city officials, these East Orange residents are particularly vulnerable during fire emergencies because they may not be able to see or hear the alarm. However, a specialized alarm commonly referred to as a “Bed Shaker” can be installed next to their bed, and alerts those in the home about emergencies using a strobe light and vibrating pad that can be placed under the mattress or pillow.

“It is so imperative that we ensure all of our citizens have the tools they need in case of fire emergencies that may occur at home,” Mayor Ted Green said.

“These specialized alarms may be the deciding factor between life and death for our most vulnerable citizens,” interim fire chief Bruce Davis agreed.

East Orange residents who need one of the above devices can contact the EOFD’s Community Outreach Division at 973-266-5520.

COURT AND TITLE II

New Jersey residents who need accommodations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) while attending a court matter may now make requests online prior to their courthouse visit.

The New Jersey Judiciary made an announcement about the policy chance earlier this month. Its portal to arrange for ADA accommodations went live on Feb. 1.

Users of the electronic form must provide the county in which the matter will be held, the court, the case or docket number, and the date of the matter. The form asks requestors to describe the nature of their disability and the accommodation they are seeking. Access the portal online here.

TOWN HALL

Other towns across New Jersey, including Nutley, have been reaching out to residents with disabilities by holding town hall events aimed at community-building.

Earlier this year, members of the Nutley community joined forces in support of the township’s “Rise Beyond” initiative, which helps provide resources and information to local adults with disabilities.

The town hosted its first-ever informational session on Jan. 30 to educate the community about the resources available to its residents with special needs – and give them a forum to share their success stories.

• See Related: Nutley 'Rises Beyond' To Support Local Residents With Disabilities

AIRPORT

Some encouraging news has come out of Newark Airport in recent months, including two projects meant to make things more inclusive at the busy travel center.

In December, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey installed a new “calming area” at Terminal A for neurodivergent fliers and travelers on the autism spectrum. The space offers people a sanctuary from the stress of air travel, and was designed in consultation with autism experts.

Now, the airport has a “grounding space” where people can collect their thoughts before takeoff.

Another cool initiative at Newark Airport is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard – a voluntary way for travelers to let airport staff and others know they may need a friendly helping hand. Read More: See A Sunflower Lanyard At Newark Airport? Here's What It Means

Airport officials have also been reaching out to travelers with intellectual and developmental disabilities by giving them a way to get a taste of what it’s like to fly on a plane – before they ever actually board one.

Recently, the Port Authority teamed up with New Jersey nonprofits The Arc of Essex County and The Arc of New Jersey to hold a “Wings for All” event. During the training session, 159 families and dozens of volunteers took part in a massive simulation, getting a chance to practice moving through a security line, proceeding down the terminal and boarding an airplane.

Staff from the Port Authority, United Airlines and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) were also on hand for the training, which also gave them a chance to sharpen their own customer service skills.

“For most people going to the airport is just a typical part of their travel plans,” said Linda Lucas, CEO of The Arc of Essex County.

“But for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the bright lights, loud noises and large crowds can make an airport a frightening and overwhelming experience,” Lucas continued.

The Port Authority isn’t alone in its attempt to make flying a more inclusive experience.

United Airlines – which maintains a hub at Newark Airport – recently became the first U.S. airline to add Braille to the interiors of its planes, a welcome boost for millions of travelers with visual disabilities.

The airline currently has equipped about a dozen aircraft with Braille markings for individual rows and seat numbers as well as inside and outside the lavatories. United expects to outfit its entire mainline fleet with Braille by the end of 2026, the company said.

“Finding your seat on a plane or getting to the restroom is something most of us take for granted, but for millions of our customers, it can be a challenge to do independently,” said Linda Jojo, an executive with United.

“By adding more tactile signage throughout our interiors, we're making the flying experience more inclusive and accessible – and that's good for everyone,” Jojo said.

TRAINS

Other improvements have been taking place for New Jersey residents with disabilities who ride trains.

In 2022, NJ Transit agreed to make updates to improve access for people with disabilities at five of its busiest train stations as part of a settlement with federal authorities. Under the settlement, NJ Transit agreed to modify multiple portions of the stations and their access points, including upgrades to multiple platforms, waiting areas, parking lots and restrooms.

• See Related: NJ Transit Agrees To Improve Disability Access At 5 Stations

“For too long, people with disabilities have been deprived of equal access to intercity rail stations operated by NJ Transit,” U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said. “In ways large and small, people with disabilities were denied full access to transportation services – whether it was the lack of access to restrooms, no signs, bad ramps, poor access to elevators, or that parking spaces were just too small for those who needed wheelchair access.”

Sellinger added that – to their credit – NJ Transit had “swiftly” recognized these deficiencies and had already begun to bring its intercity rail stations into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

LAWS

Other federal government officials in New Jersey have been pointing out that people with disabilities should have a smoother ride when it comes to train travel.

In January, U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10) reached across the political aisle to co-sponsor a bill that would help disabled Americans to get better access to Amtrak trains. The bill – dubbed the Think Differently Transportation Act (H.R. 6248) – would require Amtrak to report to Congress about Amtrak’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as it concerns trains and stations.

According to Payne, the bill could lead to improvements that improve riding conditions for the 42.5 million disabled Americans who use Amtrak trains.

“Public transportation should be available to all Americans,” the congressman said. “This bill would review Amtrak trains and stations to guarantee they comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

“In addition, this information will help Amtrak with future compliance,” he continued. “It is an important bill to introduce given all the new infrastructure projects for Amtrak thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

• See Related: NJ House Members All Vote Yes On $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill

Other lawmakers have been pushing for change in the New Jersey Statehouse.

In November 2023, a state law involving transportation research and people with disabilities crossed the finish line, getting a round of applause from one of its sponsors, Sen. Kristin Corrado (NJ-40).

Under the new law, all contracts approved by the New Jersey Transportation Research Bureau must now “consider the mobility needs of individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

The bottom line? People with disabilities will soon be able to enjoy “safer, more mobility friendly streets,” Corrado said.

“This legislation will make sure that anytime new public infrastructure projects are proposed we will put the mobility needs of disabled New Jerseyans front and center,” the senator continued. “All New Jersey residents, especially those with disabilities, should feel safe and confident when using public transit in this state.”

• See Related: NJ Law Will Improve Transport For People With Disabilities, Senator Says

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