California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and Department of Aging (CDA) has been jointly selected as a grantee to help lead a national effort to better connect the state’s intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) and aging services.
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities chose California as one of five new participant states in a national “Community of Practice” that brings together expertise from a wide range of disciplines to improve aging services for individuals with I/DD and their families. The multi-state effort is made possible through grants from the Administration for Community Living at the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The national association is charged with running a 5-year grant program and the combined efforts it funds. Additional partners include disability policy programs at the University of Illinois-Chicago and Brandeis University, The Arc of the United States, USAging, and other organizations.
The grants are known as the “Bridging ID/DD and Aging” grants, and bring together state councils and agencies on disabilities, state aging agencies, and other partners as “State Alliance Teams” to develop best practices, system improvements, policy changes, and training. These improvements can then be replicated across the country to enhance and expand aging services to individuals with I/DD and their families.
“We are proud that California has been recognized for its commitment to build partnerships and improve lifelong services for the nearly 400,000 Californians with I/DD,” said Nancy Bargmann, DDS Director. “As individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families live longer, healthier lives, the supports they need to be independent change. Partnering with the California Department of Aging (CDA) helps individuals access the services they need at every step of the way.”
“This partnership comes naturally to our department,” said Susan DeMarois, Director of the California Department of Aging. “Our work to implement California’s Master Plan for Aging has to be informed and supported by the excellent work our sister departments and community organizations are doing every day to help individuals and families live with dignity, choice and support in the community.”
DDS and CDA’s partnership as a State Alliance Team is enhanced by the participation of California’s State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Rehabilitation and a variety of community-based organizations that advocate for and improve the lives of Californians with I/DD and the aging population. This State Alliance Team expands our collective reach to serve more of California’s diverse aging population, and especially those with I/DD and family caregivers, in a way that is respectful of the variety of cultural and linguistic needs within California communities.
Visit the Bridging Aging & Disability webpage for more information.
