As National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) draws to a close, we reflect on the role that employment can play in community inclusion for people with disabilities. NDEAM is observed each October to celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and to showcase…

In this policy round up: CMS finalizes Medicare Savings Plan rule addressing coverage affordability and access CMS releases 2024 Medicare premiums and deductibles Input Needed: Increasing support and equity in child welfare system $45 million in grants awarded to expand access to care for people…

In this policy round up:  ICYMI: ACL Expands DIAL to include self-service features  Input needed  Department of Justice proposed rule to strengthen web and mobile app access for people with disabilities (due Oct. 3)  Proposed rules to strengthen Mental Health Parity and…

The independent living (IL) movement and the Rehab Act are inextricably linked. It was the IL movement that drove the signing of the law and the initial regulations to implement it, and the law that created ACL’s independent living programs. The Rehab Act is as powerful — and as important to…

In 1978, what is now the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) was created by an amendment to the Rehab Act. While our name has changed a few times in the years since, our basic purpose and reason for being has remained the same. NIDILRR funds…

Performing the duties of ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging  When most people think about disability rights, the law that probably comes to mind is the Americans with Disabilities Act. And with good reason — the passage of the ADA was an important milestone in our nation’s…

Malnutrition Awareness WeekTM (September 18-22 this year) is designed to educate professionals and consumers about how to identify and address malnutrition — a health condition caused by not getting enough nutrients from foods. The consequences of malnutrition can be dire, especially for older…

A Guest Post for Suicide Prevention Month Even though older adults are the most at-risk age group for suicide, they’re the least likely to get the services to prevent suicide. Home and community-based service providers, like the nutrition programs funded by the Older Americans Act (OAA), are…

Performing the duties of ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging  Earlier today, Alison Barkoff joined HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, pictured here, OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer, and President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities Maria Town for a…

In this Policy Round-Up: Input Needed Comments Due Today: Medicare Coverage for PrEP Child Care and Development Fund Proposed Rule CMS Seeking Comments on Accessing Home Health Aide Services HHS Proposed Rule to Advance LGBTQI+ Non-Discrimination in HHS Programs Updates on Inflation Reduction…