Episode 93: Aging, Disability and ADA: Know Your Rights

Description

The “graying” of America is continuing at an accelerated pace. In the past 10 years, there has been a staggering 35% increase in the total number of people in the United States aged 65 and over, now at 52.4 million people. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the over-65 population will be 77 million by the year 2035 – when, for the first time, the number of older people will be larger than the number of children under age 18.

For many of us, aging means daily living can become more difficult. Aging also increases the likelihood of acquiring a disability and the likely result that more people will be eligible for protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Plan to join us for this thought-provoking episode of ADA Live! in recognition of May as Older Americans Month. Our guest, Nick Nyberg, Programs & Planning Division Chief with the Alabama Department of Senior Services, will discuss the Older Americans Act of 1965 and its impact on the services and supports for older people, what these supports can be, and much more.

The Graying of America: More Older Adults Than Kids by 2035
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Link: www.census.gov/library/stories/2018/03/graying-america.html

Featured Organization

Alabama Department of Senior Services
The Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) is a cabinet level state agency that administers programs for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and caregivers. The department was originally established by the Alabama Legislature in 1957 as the Alabama Commission on Aging. ADSS was established under Title 38 Chapter 3 of the Code of Alabama.

The mission of the Alabama Department of Senior Services is to promote the independence and dignity of those we serve through a comprehensive and coordinated system of quality services

Our vision is to help society and state government prepare for the changing aging demographics through effective leadership, advocacy, and stewardship.

ADSS is charged with carrying out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended and works closely with the Administration for Community Living (ACL) within the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to achieve this goal. More information on the Older Americans Act can be found on the ADSS website and the ACL’s website at www.acl.gov. ADSS administers statewide programs on aging that cover all 67 counties through the Regional Planning Commissions and the local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). Each of the AAAs provide comprehensive services through contracts and grants to a wide variety of local agencies, both public and private.