Love knows no bounds.

In the U.S., nearly 55 million caregivers, most of whom are family members, face new situations and challenges on a daily basis. A typical day often includes a bit of uncertainty topped with moments of elation and gratitude.

Bills and piles of junk mail can often make looking through the mail a less than enticing daily chore. Yet there is at least one important piece of mail we want you to open — the 2020 Census!

July 26 marked the 30th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, and last week included a number of events to celebrate. I know it was difficult for everyone to participate in all of them, so I wanted to share some highlights and links to some of the recordings that are now available.

 

Our Declaration of Independence says, We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Twenty one years ago today, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead v L.C. that people with disabilities cannot be unnecessarily segregated into institutions (like nursing homes and other facilities) and must receive services in the most integrated setting possible.

Today, we commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and affirm the rights and dignity of older adults. We take this stand for elder justice as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect each of our lives and create new threats and challenges.

On Wednesday, I had the honor of chairing the first-ever virtual meeting of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council.

Throughout its history, our nation has benefited from the countless contributions of its older Americans. We celebrated those contributions throughout May during Older Americans Month, which promoted the theme “Make Your Mark.” Our gratitude will continue for the rest of 2020 and beyond.