About the Administration on Disabilities
The Administration on Disabilities (AoD) collaborates with states, communities, and partners in the disability network to equip individuals with disabilities of all ages with opportunities, tools, and supports to lead lives of their choice in their community. Under the provisions established through various authorizing statutes, AoD seeks to improve opportunities for people with disabilities to access quality community services and supports; achieve economic self-sufficiency; and experience equality, equity, and inclusion in all facets of community life.
AoD’s efforts advance the following strategic priorities:
- Ensuring quality community living and the protection of rights and prevention of abuse.
- Increasing life expectancy by addressing health disparities to achieve greater health equity.
- Advancing economic security and mobility that includes increased opportunities for competitive integrated employment.
- Empowering advocacy for individuals, families, and communities.
- Achieving operational excellence, quality, and compliance.
AoD is organized into three offices: the Office of Independent Living Programs (OLIP), the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (OIDD), and the Office of Disability Services Innovation (ODSI).
Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP)
OILP manages the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Independent Living Services (ILS) programs under the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. The CIL program funds 352 awards to community-based organizations that provide direct services to individuals with disabilities. The ILS program funds 56 states and territories to sustain, expand, and improve independent living services in each state. Together these programs promote the independent living of individuals with disabilities to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into American society by:
- Enhancing consumer control.
- Increasing use of peer support, self-help, and self-determination.
- Ensuring equal access.
- Supporting individual and system advocacy.
OILP, in partnership with the IL programs, promotes the independent living philosophy and provides leadership to the federal and non-federal partners to advance the independent living philosophy.
Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (OIDD)
OIDD administers two federally funded programs under the Developmental Disabilities Act (DD Act). There are 56 State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) and 68 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) that receive federal grants. The SCDDs identify and address the most pressing needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in their state or territory. The UCEDDs are interdisciplinary academic centers that provide training to future practitioners; conduct research on an array of community-based supports, including training and technical assistance; and translate knowledge into action.
OIDD also provides support for the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID) — the federal advisory committee reporting to the President and the Secretary of HHS on matters relating to people with intellectual disabilities. In collaboration with PCPID, OIDD provides leadership to the federal government on issues facing individuals with I/DD and their families to promote self-determination, independence, integration, and inclusion in all aspects of community life.
Office of Disability Services Innovation (ODSI)
ODSI manages discretionary grant programs, including the Projects of National Significance (PNS) that focus on expanding opportunities for individuals with I/DD to contribute to, and participate in, all facets of community life; the Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Program; the National Limb Loss Resource Center; and the National Paralysis Resource Center. ODSI also administers four Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) programs as authorized under the DD Act, the Help America Vote Act, the Assistive Technology Act, and the Traumatic Brain Injury Act, respectively. The 57 P&As in the states, territories, and Native American community work to protect individuals by empowering them and advocating on their behalf. ODSI collaborates across the organization to execute AoD’s strategic priorities and provides leadership in promoting innovation in disability services and supports, drawing on a number of resources, including the work of the P&As, to identify issues and the most promising solutions.
Other related resources:
- ACL budget — Information about ACL’s budget and how it supports ACL initiatives and programs.
- ACL Mandatory Grant Allocations — Information about ACL mandatory/formula programs.
- ACL Grants — Information about ACL discretionary (competitive) grant opportunities available.
- American Psychological Association Inclusive Language Guidelines — Guidelines that aim to raise awareness, guide learning, and support the use of culturally sensitive terms and phrases that center the voices and perspectives of those who are often marginalized or stereotyped in the community.