In this Policy Round-Up:

  On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law; this landmark civil rights law affirmed the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of disability. The ADA prohibits discrimination by local and state governments, provides standards for privately owned businesses and commercial facilities, stands against discrimination in the workplace, and ensures equal access to healthcare, social services, transportation, and telecommunications.

In this Policy Round Up:

We need your help get the word out to people enrolled in Medicaid that they may have to take action to remain covered and that there are steps they can take if they lose Medicaid.

ACL is awarding grants to 17 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs) to begin a new five-year cycle to address issues, find solutions, and conduct research to advance the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families.

A video recording, transcript, and other materials from the June 8, 2023, Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) meeting are now available. The meeting highlighted the importance of including older adults in preparedness planning for disasters, emergencies, and pandemics and discussed the future of the elder justice movement and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).

Cooperative agreement grants awarded under this opportunity will support and promote the development and expansion of dementia-capable home and community-based service systems in states and communities. The dementia-capable systems resulting from program activities are expected to provide quality, person-centered services and supports that help people living with dementia and their caregivers remain independent and safe in their communities.

The Olmstead decision is the guiding light for our mission at ACL. Our networks work every day to provide direct services and legal advocacy while engaging in systems change focused on meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

The Senate Special Committee on Aging and the Senate HELP Committee will host a panel discussion today at 5:00 PM ET in the Russell Senate Office Building, Room 385, about the importance of the landmark disability rights Supreme Court decision Olmstead v. L.C. ACL’s Acting Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging Alison Barkoff will participate as a panelist.

People with HIV are living and thriving well into later life. This is good news, but the specific needs of people aging with HIV may not always be well met by existing programs. That’s why ACL and the HHS Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy are pleased to announce the first round winners of funding for creative approaches to the varied issues that arise.