ACL published its Public Access Plan in February 2016. The purpose is to make available to the public peer-reviewed publications and scientific data arising from research funded in whole or part by ACL through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), to the extent feasible and permitted by law and available resources. ACL has updated its Public Access Plan to include public access to scientific data component, and will begin implementing the new component October 1, 2017. The ACL Public Access Plan is intended to:

  Join the National Limb Loss Resource Center for a webinar with TSA experts titled: The Transportation Security Administration Presents--Traveling with Limb Loss.

  Wednesday, 31 May, from 1:00 – 2:30 pm ET. ACL's Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs (ONHPP), in collaboration with consultant Tim McNeill, invites you to a business acumen webinar on Developing the Business Case for Outsourcing Care Management to a Community Based Organization (CBO).

  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently announced the formation of a new federal interagency initiative to better address serious mental illness across the nation. The Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC) was created under the 21st Century Cures Act to foster coordination of all federal efforts related to serious mental illness. SAMHSA is responsible for managing the ISMICC.

  First-of-its-kind searchable database of low-cost programs and comprehensive “how to” guide for communities The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living (ACL), and Office on Women’s Health (OWH) have launched their first website focused on helping communities to promote the oral health of older adults.

  Community-based organizations (CBO) have the experience, community knowledge, and service-delivery expertise to be valuable partners to traditional healthcare entities in the new value-based and accountable-care environment. CBO services can and should be integrated into the wider clinical paradigm to achieve person-centered, population-health goals that keep older adults and people with disabilities in their homes and communities for as long as they wish.

  Be Informed, Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Get Involved Summer is almost here. While we prepare to enjoy the warm weather, it’s important to take precautions in case extreme heat strikes. By evaluating your needs, you can plan for any heat related situation. The following steps will prepare you to handle periods of extreme heat and the associated risks:

In case you missed it, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a three-year extension for state Medicaid programs to meet the Home- and Community-Based (HCBS) settings requirements for settings operating before March 17, 2017. States now have until March 17, 2022, to demonstrate compliance for the final rule. See the announcement from CMS.

Dear Colleagues, ACL is pleased to announce the release of Frequently Asked Questions on Independent Living Services for Children and Youth with Disabilities (Youth Services FAQ), which was developed in response to questions from grantees about the  provisions for transitions of youth  included in the  Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA).

  The mission of a community-based organization is rooted in supporting people with disabilities and/or older adults to have vibrant and meaningful lives in their community. Part of fulfilling that mission is staying up to date on efforts to move toward greater integrated health care, primarily through Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS). Learn more about the basics of what a MLTSS program is and how community-based organizations, states, and the health plans responsible for the management of the long-term services and supports can work together.