COVID-19 has taken its toll on older adults and people with disabilities in many ways. In addition to increased risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, many also faced the serious threat of being forced to move from their homes into institutions -- or were unable to return to the community from institutions -- as the pandemic outpaced the capacity of our nation’s system of long-term services and supports. 

By Alison Barkoff, Acting ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging COVID-19 has been devastating for people living in congregate settings, with residents experiencing among the highest rates of infection and comprising nearly one-third of deaths. They have been isolated from friends and families throughout the pandemic, and many who wanted to transition to smaller, safer settings in the community have faced barriers due to COVID-19.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a Federal Communication Commission (FCC) program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last fall, ACL launched a prize competition for innovative business models that increase the overall stability of home- and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by strengthening the direct support professional (DSP) workforce.

The aging network has risen to meet many challenges during COVID-19. Senior nutrition programs have adapted services, activities, and events to continue safely supporting their communities across the country.

To kick off this year’s celebration of Older Americans Month, yesterday ACL issued grants totaling $1.4B to help older adults recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

ACL’s 2021 update of its Brain Health Resource provides examples of how area agencies on aging and other community-based organizations are boosting awareness, providing education, and offering services and support on the topic of brain health. Updates to the ACL’s Brain Health Resource include:

The purpose of this program is to provide funding to states to enhance their APS systems statewide, as well as to improve the quality and quantity of data submitted to ACL's National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS).

Money Follows the Person (MFP) was recently extended for three years by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The legislation also made two important changes that affect ACL’s networks and the people they serve.

As part of their Get Out the Vaccine campaign, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is partnering with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals to present this webinar on COVID-19 vaccination for direct support professionals (DSPs).