Information and Referral

FEMA is seeking public feedback from partners, stakeholders, and the general public on the “Achieving Equitable Recovery: A Post Disaster Guide for Local Officials (“Equity Guide”)”, developed by the Community Assistance Branch, Interagency Coordination Division, Recovery Directorate. The comment period will end on Wednesday, March 15. This guide supports local officials in their efforts to identify needs, establish critical partnerships, leverage new opportunities, conduct strategic public engagement, and make a strong case for funding in an equitable manner. Additionally, FEMA will host a series of 60-minute webinar sessions to provide an overview of the draft guide and gather feedback from whole community partners.

The Federal Communications Commission released guidance earlier this week permitting states and managed care plans to make calls, or robocalls, and send text messages under certain circumstances without violating federal law. The FCC’s ruling comes in response to a letter from the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requesting an exception to the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Law as states reach out to enrollees to raise awareness of forthcoming Medicaid eligibility redeterminations. The federal guidance clarifies how states working with local government agencies and managed care companies may, under certain circumstances, make robo calls or send autodialed text messages

A panel of State Units on Aging senior leadership discuss their use, and the impact of, Joy for All robotic Companion Pets. They share the intended use cases, distribution methods, volume of pets distributed (if appropriate), and specific stories of impact. Leaders also speak to their plans regarding the ongoing use of Companion Pets to combat social isolation and loneliness post-pandemic.

The Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference is hosted annually by ADvancing States (formerly known as NASUAD). This event highlights best practices from across the country in home and community-based services. The conference includes federal, state, and local policymakers as well as those who administer, manage, and deliver waiver and other HCBS programs. This link contains all of the slide presentations from the 2019 HCBS Conference.

A project of ADvancing States and NCIL, this report shares information on a range of issues – including services and referrals, technology and social media, partnerships and systems, quality assurance, training and certification, and sustainability – from the perspectives of I&R/A professionals in state agencies on aging and disability, Area Agencies on Aging, Centers for Independent Living, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, No Wrong Door systems, and other non-profit human service organizations.

This brief is a summary of survey results related to aging and disability agencies and I&R/A specialists' role in connecting individuals with public benefits. It provides an opportunity to learn about benefits screening, assistance, and outreach within aging and disability networks.

These profiles include promising practices that agencies use to conduct education and outreach to inform consumers about benefits, and to help aging and disability professionals connect clients to benefits, such as the Medicare low-income subsidies, SNAP, and LIHEAP. The tip sheets include practices about: engaging consumers through fun and interactive games; a system for providing comprehensive eligibility information; and tools to simplify benefits information for staff.

While faced with new challenges, reduced budgets, and growing populations requiring more services, states are stronger than ever, and the work they do is more effective than ever in reaching individuals and addressing their needs. The National Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference 2018 highlights these achievements, allowing states to share best practices, present unique partnerships, and recognize the work of their peers.

The I&R Support Center holds a call or webinar on a monthly basis with I&R Specialists concerning topics of interest to those who work in the field of aging and disability I&R/A. Notes, PowerPoint presentations, and an audio recording from each call can be found here.

Presentations from the 2014 National Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference.