Each year during Older Americans Month, we celebrate the vital contributions of the older adults whose knowledge, expertise, and talents make our communities stronger.

COVID-19 has changed so much of how we live, work, and connect with each other. We have had to adjust in unprecedented ways to protect ourselves and those around us. The pandemic has had a tremendous impact on older adults, who found themselves distanced from family, friends, services, and other supports.

COVID-19 has taken its toll on older adults and people with disabilities in many ways.

After more than a year of social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are more aware than ever before of the strength we draw from the people in our lives. We’ve missed sharing meals and activities at the senior center, easy conversations with a friend who stops by for tea, and casual interaction with staff at a movie theater or grocery store.

By Alison Barkoff, Acting ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging

Autism Acceptance Month offers an opportunity to recognize the diversity of experiences within the autistic community. To that end, ACL is sharing the perspective of Noor Pervez, a self-advocate who has channeled his own experiences into a career in advocacy for autistic people. Pervez currently serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

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.