The RERC on Technologies to Enhance Independence and Community Living Among People with Cognitive Disabilities will conduct research, development, and related activities focused on technologies that support the community living and participation of adults with cognitive disabilities.

Every March, ACL joins the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners to observe Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). This year’s theme, “A World of Opportunities,” focuses on ACL and NACDD’s shared goal of removing obstacles to community living faced by people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). ACL is committed to creating inclusive communities where everyone is valued and can do well and succeed.

Join ACL’s Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs (ONHPP) to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the national Senior Nutrition Program, which is funded by the Older Americans Act. This virtual event will recognize the national program's impact and the importance of connectedness in the everyday work of local programs to support the health and well-being of older adults.

In this Policy Round-Up:

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced several new initiatives and resources from ACL’s Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center to address the dire shortage of professionals who provide the services many older adults and people with disabilities need to live in the community.

The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research and development of innovative technologies designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems or remove environmental barriers.

The Disability Grant Program brings together disability organizations and victim service providers to work in a collaborative manner at the intersection of disability and domestic and sexual violence. Grants are awarded to facilitate permanent organizational changes to create more accessible, safe, and effective services for survivors with disabilities and Deaf survivors.

ACL has awarded $3 million in new funding to the University of Southern California, Leonard Davis School of Gerontology (USC) to support implementation of recommendations for addressing Goal 4 (financial and workplace security) in the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers (the Strategy).

The purpose of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, trainings, and related activities, including international activities. These endeavors aim to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities.

Each year, ACL brings partners and interested parties together to discuss important issues around TBI services, supports, and systems and to learn from other partners, brain injury survivors, family members, support networks, and state and federal representatives.