State/Agency Information

Governors’ State of the State addresses reveal policy and programmatic trends. This document tracks those comments made in such addresses that indicate wider policy initiatives that impact older adults and people with disabilities. A state-by-state analysis of 43 State addresses and budgets helps to illuminate overall trends in aging and disability policies, such as Medicaid changes and the restructuring of state departments and programs affecting long-term services and supports (LTSS).

The National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA) is pleased to share a comprehensive set of recommendations for reform of the Older Americans Act (OAA) when it is reauthorized by the 109th Congress in 2005. NASUA believes that the forthcoming reauthorization of the Act provides an opportunity to modernize its structures, programs, and services to prepare to serve the next generation of older persons and their families.

Review a new survey of organizations that provide services within the I&R/A Network. The following themes emerged from the survey: aging and disability networks continue to integrate; the use of technology in I&R/A service delivery is slow to develop; the role of I&R/A organizations is expanding; and there are opportunities for improved coordination and quality service delivery. Review the recommendations that address these themes.

State aging and disability agencies have operated within a tumultuous environment for the past several years. It has become increasingly more difficult to reconcile the needs of older adults and people with disabilities with the resources available to address those needs. Five themes are identified from the 2012 state of aging and disabilities surveys, which include the acceleration of Medicaid managed long term services and supports and continuing loss of historical knowledge around the nation.

In 2009, television stations ceased to broadcast in analog and became digital. Adults over the age of 65 are more likely to have analog television sets and therefore are likely to require assistance into digital transition. This brief helps highlight some important facts about analog to digital transition, including options available to analog consumers and rebate and discount programs. This brief also identifies the different ways in which state governments have prepared to address this issue.

There has been effort to create standards for senior centers at a state level. Many State Units on Aging (SUAs) coordinate with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to fund, develop, and foster these standards. This report summarizes findings from a survey of 38 states concerning various areas related to senior centers, including funding sources, operational guidelines, and required services. Most states reported some common practices and 16 states provide guidance for their senior centers.

Interested in the work and current challenges that face The National Association of State Units on Aging members? This report, resulting from a February through April 2009 NASUA survey, was given to its members to obtain a snapshot of their work and the current challenges they face. The results, divided into 10 themes, provide that snapshot as well as the states’ perspective on the evolution of the aging network as it works to redesign the long-term care delivery system.

Held in May 2005 this national conference was designed to meet the unique training needs of waiver program operators. This year’s conference, titled "The Sun Shines Brighter at Home," offered substantive opportunities to learn about the national initiatives, policy directions and grant programs that shape the current environment. The attached agenda has links to all of the presentation overheads.

The recession continues to affect state programs for older individuals and adults with physical disabilities. Demand for publicly funded services has grown, and resources, including staff, are stretched thin, according to this new 50-state study. 31 states have cut non-Medicaid aging and disability services programs in FY 2010, and 28 states were expecting to cut these programs in FY 2011. Find the research report, brief, video and compiled State profiles.

NASDDDS is now posting online litigation articles covered in Community Services Reporter (CSR) and other publications. Litigation articles are organized by type of litigation (Access to Services, Community Placement of Institutionalized Persons, Limitations on Home and Community-Based Services, Institutional Reform/CRIPA, Death Penalty Exemption/Determination of MR/DD to be Exempt, and Miscellaneous) and then by state.