Where to Turn... Your Guide to Federal Disability Policies and Programs Authors Patrice Drew, Esq. Cathy Ficker Terrill Anne C. Parrette, Esq. Project Coordinator Janna Starr Editors Larry H. Hoffer Lisa Ward Monique Marino Brain Injury Association US Department of Health and Human Services HRSA Health Resources and Services Administration Maternal and Child Health Bureau Disclaimer The Brain Injury Association shall not be held liable for content changes made by unauthorized parties, including but not limited to: alterations of text, images or other information within Where to Turn: Your Guide to Federal Disability Policies and Programs (the Guide.) The Guide contains general information. It is not an authoritative legal document, nor shall it be construed as legal advice. The Guide shall not be relied upon as a legal authority for acting or refusing to act. The information contained in the Guide may change as Federal polices and programs are amended periodically. The Brain Injury Association is not responsible for notifying the Public of these changes. Older Americans Act of 1965 and Older Americans Act Amendments of 1999 What is the Older Americans Act? The Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA) is federal legislation that provides funding for a wide variety of home and community-based services, as well as health services for Americans who are over the age of 60. The OAA helps Americans who are older maintain their independence and autonomy, allowing them to stay in their own homes as long as possible. The law focuses on improving the lives of people who are older in the areas of income, housing, health, employment, retirement, and community services. What is the History of the OAA? How has it Changed? Initially, the OAA established small grants to state agencies to fund social services programs. OAA funding also supported state planning and coordinating activities. Amendments to the law in 1972 added the "national nutrition program." Beginning in the late 1970s, the focus of OAA activities shifted to certain populations identified as "vulnerable." These populations included older people who are frail, women who are older, minorities who are older, and people living in rural communities who are older. Although OAA services are provided without regard to a person's income or health, they are targeted to these "vulnerable" groups. As the number of people who are older has increased in this country, OAA's emphasis has shifted from community-based services, to health services and long-term services and supports. What services are covered by the OAA? The OAA covers the following services: Home-delivered meals (Meals-on-Wheels program) Meals served at community centers and other social settings In-home assistance with chores and personal care Transportation to shopping, doctor appointments, and other essential activities Protection against elder-abuse Employment of seniors Adult day care services Senior centers Legal Assistance Why is the OAA important currently? Today, the OAA is more important than ever for Americans who are aging. People over the age of 85 are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, this figure will increase by 50% by the year 2010. As Americans are able to live longer through the advances of science and medicine, it is inevitable that more Americans will need help to remain at home and to access the services provided by the OAA. Who administers the OAA? At the federal level, the U.S. Administration on Aging, in the Department of Health and Human Services administers the OAA. The U.S. Administration on Aging distributes OAA funds to state offices on aging. The state offices (State Units on Aging) then fund Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). The AAAs use their OAA funds as "seed money" and raise additional non-federal monies from the private sector. Tell me more about the Administration on Aging. The OAA established the Administration on Aging (AOA). The AOA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and is headed by the Assistant Secretary on Aging. AOA is the federal focal point and advocacy agency for people who are older. AOA works to heighten awareness among other federal agencies, organizations, groups and the public about the valuable contributions that older Americans make in the United States and about the special needs of people who are older. AOA works closely with its nationwide network of regional offices and state and area agencies on aging to plan, coordinate, and develop community-level systems of services. AOA administers programs at the federal level, as mandated under various titles of the OAA. What are the State Units on Aging? Each state is required by the OAA to have a State Unit on Aging. Although the activities vary from state to state, most State Units on Aging are responsible for: Coordination of state activities related to the OAA Development of a state plan on aging Reviewing and commenting upon all state plans, budgets and policies affecting Americans who are older Providing technical assistance to any agency, organization, association or individual representing the needs of Americans who are older What are OAA Service Providers? Under Title III of the OAA, service providers are contracted by the State Unit on Aging to provide needed services to Americans who are older. OAA service providers include nutrition providers, adult day service providers, transportation providers, and legal service agencies. What are the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1999? The Older Americans Act Amendments of 1999 revise the OAA of 1965. The amendments extend authorizations of appropriations for programs under the Act through fiscal year 2003. The amendments establish a National Family Caregiver Support Program, modernize aging programs and services, and address the need of Americans who are older to engage in life course planning. President Clinton signed the OAA Amendments of 1999 into law on November 13, 2000. How can I find more information about the OAA? You can write to the U.S. Administration on Aging at the following address: U.S. Administration on Aging 330 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 You can telephone the U.S. Administration on Aging at the following telephone numbers: (800) 677-1116 (Eldercare Locator - to find services for an older person in his or her locality) (202) 619-7501 (AOA's National Aging Information Center - for technical information and public inquiries) (202) 401-4541 (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Aging, Congressional and Media Inquiries) You can send a fax inquiry to the U.S. Administration on Aging to the following number: FAX: (202) 260-1012 And you can go to the U.S. Administration on Aging's website: aoainfo@aoa.gov