Before independent living was a program, it was an idea that sparked a social movement to advance the rights of people with disabilities. The independent living movement embodies the idea that no one should be denied dignity, self-determination, or equal opportunity simply because they are living with a disability. And no one could be a greater expert on the needs of people with disabilities than a person with a disability. Decades before federal laws required curb cuts and workplace accommodations, this was considered a radical idea.

As the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) approaches, ACL will be featuring guest blogs from leaders in the disability community.

Yesterday, the Administration for Community Living and the HHS Office for Civil Rights hosted Community Living for All: Celebrating 25 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Advocates and leaders provided a variety of perspectives on the progress of the last 25 years and the work that remains before a packed room of disability and aging advocates.

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Established by the United Nations in 2006, WEAAD brings together people from around the globe to shine a spotlight on the mistreatment of older adults. Each year in the U.S. alone, hundreds of thousands of older people are abused, neglected, and exploited. Our seniors lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually to financial abuse and exploitation, depriving them of funds that could have been used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care.

Thursday, May 28, 2015, 8:30–11:45 a.m. ET On Thursday, May 28, 2015 the White House Conference on Aging will host a Regional Forum in Boston, Massachusetts to engage with older Americans, their caregivers, advocates, community leaders and others on the key issues affecting older Americans.

The White House Conference on Aging released a policy brief on elder justice, a key focus area for the 2015 Conference. The Policy Brief on Elder Justice explores the ways in which older Americans may be susceptible to financial exploitation and other forms of elder abuse. It also describes the federal efforts being made to prevent, identify, and respond to elder abuse.

Since 1987, March has been designated Developmental Disabilities Month. This is an opportunity for communities to raise awareness of the many ways people with developmental disabilities contribute to our society. The Administration on Intellectual and Developmental disabilities works to advance the concerns and interests of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an array of programs funded under the Developmental Disabilities Act.

April is Autism Awareness Month, and April 2 is World Autism Day. Nearly one in 68 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities that impacts multiple life areas, such as social skills, communication skills and behavior. Individuals with ASD may require individualized services and supports to lead self-determined lives in the community.

Each year, during the month of May, we honor and recognize our older family members, neighbors, and friends for their important service and sacrifice to our country. This year marks an important milestone in the history of how our country supports its older citizens. Since 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has provided programs that allow millions of older Americans to receive the services and supports they need to continue living and thriving in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

On Tuesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell highlighted the importance of addressing racial and ethnic health disparities on the HHS blog. In Minority Health Month: Making Progress on Health Disparities, Secretary Burwell began by noting that April is National Minority Health Month and stating: