Since the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was signed last year, ACL has been working through the process of moving the National Institute for Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research and the independent living and assistive technology programs from the Department of Education to ACL. We passed a major milestone when we consolidated our staff administratively earlier this year, and we have spent the last couple of months achieving another—merging our grants and contracts into one system.

Thursday, May 28, 2015, 8:30–11:45 a.m. ET On Thursday, May 28, 2015 the White House Conference on Aging will host a Regional Forum in Boston, Massachusetts to engage with older Americans, their caregivers, advocates, community leaders and others on the key issues affecting older Americans.

The White House Conference on Aging released a policy brief on elder justice, a key focus area for the 2015 Conference. The Policy Brief on Elder Justice explores the ways in which older Americans may be susceptible to financial exploitation and other forms of elder abuse. It also describes the federal efforts being made to prevent, identify, and respond to elder abuse.

On Friday, the White House announced the reappointment of members of PCPID. The group serves as a federal advisory committee which promotes policies and initiatives that support independence and lifelong inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in their respective communities. The findings from each PCPID meeting are included in an annual report to the President.

ACL is pleased to join with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health in recognizing May 10–16, as National Women's Health Week. The goal is to empower women to make their health a priority and learn what steps they can take to live healthier lives.

Since 1987, March has been designated Developmental Disabilities Month. This is an opportunity for communities to raise awareness of the many ways people with developmental disabilities contribute to our society. The Administration on Intellectual and Developmental disabilities works to advance the concerns and interests of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an array of programs funded under the Developmental Disabilities Act.

April is Autism Awareness Month, and April 2 is World Autism Day. Nearly one in 68 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disabilities that impacts multiple life areas, such as social skills, communication skills and behavior. Individuals with ASD may require individualized services and supports to lead self-determined lives in the community.

From L to R: Nora Super, Tina Tchen, Nadina Gracia, Carolyn Colvin, and Kathy Greenlee at the White House, April 24, 2015

Each year, during the month of May, we honor and recognize our older family members, neighbors, and friends for their important service and sacrifice to our country. This year marks an important milestone in the history of how our country supports its older citizens. Since 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has provided programs that allow millions of older Americans to receive the services and supports they need to continue living and thriving in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) joins President Obama as we recognize May as Older Americans Month. Older Americans Month is celebrated to honor and acknowledge older Americans for the contributions they make to our families, communities and society. Visit the ACL Older Americans Month Webpage to learn more about this observance and to explore ways to make a positive impact in the lives of older adults this May and throughout the year.