Next week will be an important week for the elder justice community. On Monday, June 12, leaders from across the federal government will participate in an Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) meeting. And on Thursday, June 15th, communities around the world will commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Join ACL in taking a stand against elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation:

ACL published its Public Access Plan in February 2016. The purpose is to make available to the public peer-reviewed publications and scientific data arising from research funded in whole or part by ACL through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), to the extent feasible and permitted by law and available resources. ACL has updated its Public Access Plan to include public access to scientific data component, and will begin implementing the new component October 1, 2017. The ACL Public Access Plan is intended to:

  Be Informed, Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Get Involved Summer is almost here. While we prepare to enjoy the warm weather, it’s important to take precautions in case extreme heat strikes. By evaluating your needs, you can plan for any heat related situation. The following steps will prepare you to handle periods of extreme heat and the associated risks:

Dear Colleagues, ACL is pleased to announce the release of Frequently Asked Questions on Independent Living Services for Children and Youth with Disabilities (Youth Services FAQ), which was developed in response to questions from grantees about the  provisions for transitions of youth  included in the  Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA).

  The mission of a community-based organization is rooted in supporting people with disabilities and/or older adults to have vibrant and meaningful lives in their community. Part of fulfilling that mission is staying up to date on efforts to move toward greater integrated health care, primarily through Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS). Learn more about the basics of what a MLTSS program is and how community-based organizations, states, and the health plans responsible for the management of the long-term services and supports can work together.

  ACL has opened a new funding opportunity to establish Centers for Independent Living in Guam, American Samoa, and Pennsylvania. The goal of this opportunity is to expand and improve the provision of independent living services in the targeted areas and to support statewide networks of these centers. There are currently no Centers for Independent Living (CILs) funded in Guam, American Samoa, and the three county area (Allegheny, Armstrong, and Westmoreland) surrounding Pittsburgh, PA.

  ACL is seeking public comment on the information collection requirements relating to consumer assessment surveys that are used by ACL to measure program performance for programs funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act. The deadline for public comments is this Friday, May 12. Comments can be submitted via e-mail to: Heather.Menne@acl.hhs.gov. Learn more about the survey.

  The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SAR-TAC) is launching a new website at www.selfadvocacyinfo.org to help fulfill its mission to strengthen self-advocacy for people with disabilities by supporting self-advocacy organizations to grow in diversity and leadership.

Editor's Note: videos and material for this meeting are now available. Save the Date: June 12, 2017 Elder Justice Coordinating Council Meeting The Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC), chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, meets twice a year to discuss topics surrounding elder abuse.

Since 1963, OAM has celebrated the nation’s older citizens each May. But it’s more than a celebration—OAM is at the pulse of important trends and aging issues. This year’s theme is Age Out Loud, and it’s all about living to the fullest, being heard, trying new things, and staying active in your community.