The official policy statements of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey are established every year with annual resolutions adopted at the state convention. The resolutions committee meets early during the convention. Each proposed resolution is read, spoken for by the authoring member, considered, and then ultimately withdrawn or recommended for passage or disapproval by the Convention.

Resolution 2024-01: Regarding the use of accessible traffic lights and walk signals

WHEREAS, road safety for pedestrians and vehicle drivers is dependent on clear understanding and proper use of traffic lights and pedestrian signals; and

WHEREAS, for pedestrian and traffic signals to be clearly understood and properly used by both blind and sighted pedestrians, signals that are solely non-visual need to be replaced by accessible signals that utilize both visual and non-visual cues, such as tactile and vibrating surfaces and audio tones, to inform pedestrians of appropriate crossing intervals where possible; and

WHEREAS, by various laws such as Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, state and local governments are required to make such public services as pedestrian signals accessible; and

WHEREAS, many traffic lights and pedestrian signals have either not been converted from inaccessible versions, or have been converted in a manner that does not meet legal standards for accessibility: Now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, in convention assembled this twenty-sixth day of October, 2024, in the township of Edison, New Jersey, that this organization call upon the New Jersey Legislature and local municipalities to establish definitive plans to comply with the law and convert non-accessible traffic lights and pedestrian signals to accessible pedestrian signals.

Resolution 2024-02: Regarding Paratransit Accessibility Between New Jersey and New York City

WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is committed to advocating for accessible transportation options for all individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, since there are several New Jersey Transit bus routes that go into Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Access Link also provides corresponding service which enables individuals with disabilities to access necessary services, employment, and recreational activities in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, there are also numerous New Jersey Transit lines that go into New York City, yet Access Link does not have corresponding service into New York; and

WHEREAS, the lack of paratransit connectivity between New Jersey and New York limits the independence and mobility of individuals with disabilities, hindering their ability to participate fully in society: Now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, in Convention assembled this twenty-sixth day of October, 2024, in the Township of Edison, New Jersey, that this organization urge the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York City (MTA) to take the following actions:

1. Collaborate on establishing a seamless paratransit service that allows for cross-state travel between New Jersey and New York.
2. Ensure that the paratransit service is fully accessible and meets the needs of individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind or low vision.
3. Implement policies and procedures to facilitate the coordination of paratransit services across state lines, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can travel between New Jersey and New York with the same ease as they can between New Jersey and Philadelphia.
4. Provide adequate funding and resources to support the expansion and maintenance of this essential service.
5. Engage with disability advocacy groups to gather input and feedback on the implementation and operation of the cross-state paratransit service to ensure it effectively meets the needs of the community.

Resolution 2024-03: Regarding Enhancing Access Link Services to New Jersey State Parks and Beaches

WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is dedicated to advocating for equal access to all public amenities for individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey's state parks and beaches offer recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities that should be accessible to all residents of the state; and

WHEREAS, Access Link is New Jersey Transit’s paratransit service designed to provide public transportation for people with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-route bus system; and

WHEREAS, Access Link service areas are determined by the distance from regular NJ Transit bus routes, specifically within a three-quarter-mile radius as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and

WHEREAS, many New Jersey state parks and beaches are located beyond the three-quarter-mile radius of regular NJ Transit bus routes, rendering them inaccessible via Access Link; and

WHEREAS, individuals without disabilities can access these state parks and beaches at any time, while those with disabilities are unjustly prevented from enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that our state is renowned for; and

WHEREAS, the lack of accessible transportation to state parks and beaches creates significant barriers and limits the independence of individuals with disabilities to enjoy public spaces: Now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, in Convention assembled this twenty-sixth day of October, 2024, in the Township of Edison, New Jersey, that this organization demand that New Jersey Transit and the New Jersey Department of Transportation take the following actions:

1. Immediately expand Access Link service areas to include all New Jersey state parks and state-owned beaches, regardless of their distance from regular NJ Transit bus routes,
2. Review and revise current policies that restrict Access Link services, ensuring that all residents have equal opportunities to access state parks and beaches,
3. Establish new regular NJ Transit bus routes or stops near state parks and beaches to extend Access Link eligibility zones to promote inclusivity,
4. Guarantee that all state parks and beaches are fully accessible via public transportation for individuals with disabilities, thereby upholding their rights to equal access to public amenities., and
5. Collaborate with disability advocacy groups to address transportation barriers and develop effective solutions to improve accessibility to state parks and beaches.

Resolution 2024-04: Regarding Enhancing Training Programs and Leadership at the Joseph Kohn Training Center

WHEREAS, the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is committed to advocating for the highest quality training and services for blind and low vision individuals in the state; and

WHEREAS, the Joseph Kohn Training Center (JKTC), operated by the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, plays a crucial role in providing essential skills and rehabilitation services to empower blind and low vision residents; and

WHEREAS, advancements in training methodologies and alternative skills instruction have proven highly effective in increasing independence and confidence among blind individuals across the country; and

WHEREAS, there is a change in leadership at the JKTC, presenting an opportunity to enhance and modernize the current training programs offered; and

WHEREAS, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of the current training and skill development at the JKTC, indicating a need for assessment and improvement; and

WHEREAS, leadership with lived experience as a blind person or as a trainer of blind individuals brings valuable insight and understanding necessary for effective program development and implementation; and

WHEREAS, collaboration with professional certification organizations, such as the National Blindness Professional Certification Board, can enhance the quality of training and ensure adherence to high standards of instruction: Now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, in Convention assembled this twenty-fifth day of October, 2024, in the Township of Edison, New Jersey, that this organization strongly encourage the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the leadership of the Joseph Kohn Training Center (JKTC) to:

1. Appoint a new director for the JKTC who has lived experience as a blind person or as a trainer of blind individuals, recognizing that such experience is crucial for understanding the needs and potential of the blind community;
2. Commission an independent audit and study of the JKTC programs and services, comparing them to those of other successful blindness training centers throughout the country;
3. Make the results of this audit and study publicly available to stakeholders and the community as a whole, ensuring transparency and fostering trust within the blind and low vision community;
4. Embrace and implement innovative training methods that have demonstrated success in empowering blind and low vision individuals with skills for independent living and employment, such as structured discovery learning and confidence-building activities;
5. Collaborate with the National Blindness Professional Certification Board and other relevant organizations to enhance training programs and ensure that staff are certified and meet high professional standards;
6. Encourage community engagement, seeking input and active participation from consumers and stakeholders to ensure the training center’s offerings align with the aspirations and needs of the blind community in New Jersey;
7. Support professional development for staff, promoting the adoption of new teaching techniques and philosophies that foster self-confidence and autonomy among participants; and
8. Modernize the curriculum and facilities, reflecting contemporary best practices in blindness education and rehabilitation, thereby enhancing the overall success of the community.