Accessibility

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that beginning Monday, September 25th, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered to their home.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL), in collaboration with the disability and aging networks it funds, is committed to protecting the voting rights of older adults and people with disabilities. Through ACL's programs, a variety of resources are available, including information, education, supportive services, and legal assistance, all aimed at improving voting process accessibility in partnership with states and communities. ACL has released a dedicated webpage to serve as a resource "hub" to make it easier for people with disabilities and older adults to find the voting resources they need.

This week the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced more than 20 million households have enrolled in the agency’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). With the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the FCC is now helping households across the country connect to the internet and save on their monthly bill. In order to reach today’s enrollment milestone, the FCC heavily engaged local, state and federal organizations to serve as ACP outreach and awareness-raising partners. The FCC has committed over $72 million in grants at the state and local level, with 228 ACP Outreach Grants issued to trusted state, local, and Tribal governments and community partners. If you or someone you know is seeking affordable internet connectivity

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is partnering with the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to offer free COVID-19 test kits to aging and disability networks, ensuring continued access for older adults and individuals with disabilities. State Units on Aging (SUAs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) can directly order test kits from ASPR's Office of Industrial Base Management and Supply Chain (IBMSC) for distribution to the people they serve. Currently, test kits from various manufacturers (Siemens, Ellume, or Quidel) are available, with a minimum order of 200 kits. Registration is open until September 15, 2023...

Join the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Renewals webinars focused on special populations. This webinar series will provide partners with strategies to reach out to diverse communities and audiences to share information about Medicaid and CHIP renewals. Each webinar will also include a “train-the-trainer” presentation, during which CMS will walk-through a set of downloadable slides that partners can use to educate others in their communities about Medicaid and CHIP renewals.

The National Council on Aging is spending the week of September 18th to the 22nd spreading awareness for falls prevention, and empowering older adults to educate themselves on how to be independent and falls free. This is a national effort to raise awareness, educate people on falls risk factors, and how to prevent falls. They are looking for support to encourage the engagement of older adults by starting a conversation with friends and family about falls. The National Council on Aging is also providing educational tools to help spread a better understanding of how falls are preventable.

CMS issued a proposed procedural notice on June 22nd that describes a new Medicare coverage pathway to achieve more timely and predictable access to new medical technologies for people with Medicare. The new Transitional Coverage for Emerging Technologies (TCET) pathway for Breakthrough Devices uses current national coverage determination and coverage with evidence development processes to expedite Medicare coverage of certain Breakthrough Devices. The TCET pathway is intended to balance multiple considerations when making coverage determinations: (1) facilitating early, predictable, and safe beneficiary access to new technologies; (2) reducing manufacturers’ and innovators’ uncertainty about coverage...

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has announced the 2023 themes to promote National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month is "Advancing Access and Equity," highlighting the contributions of workers with disabilities and promoting inclusive policies and practices. ODEP will also use the theme "Advancing Access and Equity: Then, Now and Next" to honor the Rehabilitation Act's passage and its role in prohibiting disability-based discrimination in employment by federally funded programs. Organizations can participate in ODEP's initiatives and learn more about NDEAM and ODEP's work.

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) has published a comprehensive resource guide that offers guidance to transportation providers on how to better serve older passengers with vision loss. The guide addresses the pervasive and often unrecognized issue of age-related vision changes, the unique challenges that older adults with vision loss face when using transportation services, and effective strategies that transportation providers can use to improve their services. This resource also discusses the critical role of effective communication in addressing these challenges and provides travel training and orientation and mobility (O&M) to help older riders with vision loss navigate the transportation system.

On the 60th anniversary of Older Americans Month, the White House has issued a proclamation recognizing the invaluable contributions of our Nation's seniors. The proclamation celebrates the progress made through programs such as Medicare and Social Security in raising many seniors out of poverty and providing affordable healthcare. However, it also acknowledges the need for continued efforts to ensure seniors can age with dignity and financial security. Specifically, President Biden calls on Congress to improve accessibility to high-quality care and support for caregivers, increase funding for nutrition services, and improve the quality and safety of nursing homes to help ensure that all older adults are supported.