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June 22, 2020 | Lance Robertson, Former Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging
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. Olmstead has…
June 15, 2020 | Lance Robertson, Former Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging
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.
We know that strong supports and strong social…
June 12, 2020 | Lance Robertson, Former Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging
On Wednesday, I had the honor of chairing the first-ever virtual meeting of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council.
The EJCC brings together leaders from across the federal government to address issues of elder justice nationally. Council members include the leaders of federal departments, agencies…
June 3, 2020 | Lance Robertson, ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging, and Deborah Cox-Roush, Director, Senior Corps
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.
The…
May 20, 2020 | Lance Robertson, Former Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging
Older Americans Month was celebrated for the first time in 1965, when the Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law. Fifty-five years later, the nationwide system of organizations, services and programs established under the OAA continue to work together to help older adults live independently…
May 1, 2020 | Lance Robertson, Former Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging
(Originally published on the HHS blog.)
Even under the best of circumstances, caregiving can be challenging. For many family caregivers, the routine tasks they perform on behalf of their loved ones are more complex because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only must family caregivers take extra…
April 22, 2020 | By Kathleen Otte, Senior Regional Administrator, Region 2
Kathleen Otte, Senior Regional Administrator, Region 2
The COVID-19 crisis has tested the resilience of social services in many parts of our country. At the same time, it should not be a surprise that across the nation we have come together to support each other and find creative solutions when…
April 7, 2020 | Edwin Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging
A week ago, a bright light went out. I was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of the death of our dear colleague and friend, Lori Stiegel. I knew Lori for decades, so long that I cannot recall exactly when we met. She was such a presence in my life – and in the lives of so…
March 31, 2020 | Lance Robertson, Former Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging
Louisiana DD Council Chair April Dunn with Gov. John Bel Edwards and his wife, Donna Edwards.
Every year during the month of March, we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the many contributions of people with DD and their families to our communities and to our country. This…
March 25, 2020 | Lance Robertson, Former Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging
Originally published on the HHS Blog.
Today, our country affirmed the rights, dignity, independence, and well-being of older adults when President Trump signed HR4334, the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 into law.
The law reauthorizes critical Older Americans Act (OAA) programs through 2024…