As we mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) today, I find myself reflecting on our amazing accomplishments these past several years, particularly because this is the last WEAAD I will commemorate in my capacity as Assistant Secretary for Aging. My national “perch” allows me to see the peaks and valleys on our collective journey towards elder justice. In the past seven years, we have had many high points and we’ve made much progress along the road. I want to celebrate that progress with all of you.

President Obama signed the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016 into law today, reaffirming our nation’s commitment to the health and well-being of older adults. Earlier this year, the President called on Congress to reauthorize this important legislation as part of his remarks at the White House Conference on Aging.

This month at ACL we’ve been celebrating Older Americans Month by sharing trailblazer stories (and selfies). The stories and images that have come in from around the country tell a story about what it means to age at this particular moment in history.

May 2016 The Administration for Community Living joins President Obama and Mental Health America (MHA) in recognizing Mental Health Month. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Nearly 44 million American adults, and millions of children, experience mental health conditions each year, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress.

Home and community-based services (HCBS) provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities and older adults to receive services in their own home or community.

This week the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention presented Assistant Secretary for Aging and ACL Administrator Kathy Greenlee with a Champion for Justice award. The award recognizes a public official who advances elder abuse prevention and innovation.

Final rule prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability; enhances language assistance for individuals with limited English proficiency.

Last week, the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) held its spring meeting on Capitol Hill, hosted by the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

Aaron Bishop is the Commissioner of ACL’s Administration on Disabilities. Wade Henderson is President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund. This post initially appeared on The Leadership Conference’s Unfinished Business Blog.

Moving beyond awareness to promoting acceptance and appreciation, and raising expectations New CDC Autism Data Highlights Importance of Long-term Services and Supports, Cultural Competency