Every 48 seconds in the U.S., someone becomes paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury. The majority of these injuries are caused by auto accidents, on-the-job incidents, and sports. In July of this year, the U.S. Senate designated September 2014 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. The…

By Sharon Lewis, Principal Deputy, Administration for Community Living (ACL) Among working-age adults, most of us would likely agree that employment is a critically important part of our lives. Employment gives us a sense of purpose that comes with contributing to something bigger, offers a sense…

On June 6, 2014, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued important guidance on implementing Section 2402(a) of the Affordable Care Act. This provision of the law requires the Secretary to ensure all states develop systems for delivery of home and community-based services and…

Whether they’re designing new digital programs to tutor students in mathematics or organizing meal programs for elderly neighbors; whether they’re driving veterans to doctor appointments or visiting patients in nearby hospitals, older Americans are transforming lives and communities across the…

This Sunday, June 15, is Father’s Day, a day devoted to honoring our fathers—and our father figures—for the love and support they have given us over the course of our lives. Fittingly, it is also World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a day devoted to raising awareness of a serious world health…

In recent years, the United States has experienced a number of significant natural disasters. Several of these events happened with little or no warning. One key lesson that we have learned from these unfortunate circumstances is to "be prepared," a message that is especially important for older…

I am delighted to welcome two important programs to ACL—the Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) and the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs). These programs are moving to ACL as a result of the 2014 budget recently signed by President Obama. ACL was formed in April 2012 to advance policy…

Twenty-four years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. The law’s passage signaled America’s commitment to achieving equality for all its citizens by providing long overdue protections for people with disabilities. We have made tremendous progress toward this goal, but…

Adam’s* Decision In 2012, “Adam” (not his real name) was fighting an infection in his leg and facing a tough situation. The Protection and Advocacy Agency (P&A) in his state became involved when the state’s Attorney General’s office called. The Attorney General’s office told P&A staff that…

"How is my child doing?": parents and other caregivers often ask themselves. Several federal projects are underway to support parents and professionals who work with young children in answering this universal question. The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education have launched a…