In today’s post, Edwin Walker, who will retire later this year from his role as the deputy assistant secretary for aging, passes the baton to his successor.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that it's reforming its federal assistance policies and expanding benefits for disaster survivors to cut red tape, provide funds faster, and give people more flexibility.

This event will highlight the importance of family support for people with disabilities who own businesses. The webinar will begin with a brief recap of DETAC's work to advance self-employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Then, Sue Babin from the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC) will facilitate a panel session featuring three family members of entrepreneurs with disabilities. The panelists will offer their perspectives on how to best support loved ones with disabilities who have goals of owning a business.

Earlier today, the U.S. Department of Education's (ED) Office of Educational Technology and the Office of Special Education Programs released a comprehensive guidance package designed to increase understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s (IDEA’s) assistive technology (AT) requirements, dispel common misconceptions regarding AT, and provide examples of the use of AT devices and services for children with disabilities, as well as to highlight the different AT requirements under Part C and Part B of IDEA.

ACL's National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) is announcing a new funding opportunity for the Field-Initiated Projects (FIP) Program for minority-serving institutions.

In this policy round up:

Every year, ACL leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM) in May. The theme for 2024 is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. We will explore the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues.

The RERC on Rehabilitation Strategies, Techniques, and Interventions will conduct research, develop, and do other related activities that lead to rehabilitation practices and services that improve the health — and the physical, cognitive, sensory, or communication abilities — of people with a wide range of disabilities, especially those with the greatest support needs. Rehabilitation engineering in this area should result in new or improved products, devices, and technological advances that enhance rehabilitation services in clinical or community settings.

This call will be an informal space to network, share experiences, and learn from others. Sample discussion topics will include intergenerational program partners, strategies to identify and reach possible participants, and more.

ACL's National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) is announcing a new funding opportunity for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.