Aging Policy and Programs

 With the launch of this new section of the ADvancing States website, we have also released a new tool for states – an interactive map that allows you to click on any state and have easy access to their State Plan on Aging as required under the OAA. We believe this will be a useful tool for state agency directors and staff as they work to develop their state plans and learn from their peers.

Resources currently available include:

• Webinars – Aging Series. The association hosts webinars monthly or bimonthly on topics relevant to aging policy and practice.
• ADvancing States Policy Committee on Aging & Disability Policy. This committee, which meets monthly via teleconference, informs association policy positions, analyzes legislation and regulations that impact state aging and disability programs, and assist staff with developing technical assistance tools relating to the OAA or other programs.
• Ad Hoc Technical Assistance. Have a question, issue, or concern on an aging-related topic? ADvancing States staff are always available to help support state aging and disability agency staff in any way that they can.
• Federal and National Partner Engagement. ADvancing States continuously engages with our partners in the Administration and Congress to educate and push for additional support for state agency priorities and needs. We also are engaged with numerous other national organizations that work to improve care for older adults.
• In-State Meetings and Research Calls. As a part of an increased focus on aging work the association has conducted a number of in-person, face-to-face in-state visits with state aging and disability agency staff. We are also engaged in a series of “research calls” with various state directors to further inform our aging technical assistance portfolio. Note: in-state visits are limited based on staff capacity and funding resources.

Resources currently under development include:

• Issue Briefs. ADvancing States staff will be developing issue briefs focused on the OAA and other programmatic areas that impact state aging and disability agencies.
• Resource Binders for New State Unit on Aging Directors or Assistant Directors. These binders will support the onboarding of new directors, orienting them to ADvancing States and assist them with being successful in their new roles.