# OILP Newsletter- November 2023

Dear Colleagues,  

Welcome to the OILP Monthly Newsletter!  We are pleased to share recent updates from ACL, COVID/TA Resources, and other IL resources below.

To improve user friendliness, we have included a Table of Contents with links to each section. 

******

# Table of Contents

***Reporting and Guidance***

***Conferences, Trainings and Technical Assistance***

***Employment Opportunities***

***Opportunities for Engagement***

***Funding Opportunities***

***Transition Services***

***Sharing Your Stories***

***Resources***

# Reporting and Guidance

1. ***Q90 Portal Open:***The Q90 portal is now open at https://portal.q90.com/external/login.php. As a reminder, the FY22 CIL Programmatic Performance Report (PPR) is due in the portal by 12/31/23. For our grantees that received Public Health Workforce (PHW) Funding, the Public Health Workforce Funding PPR is due by 12/31/23 in the portal and is included as part of the CIL PPR.

If you did not receive PHW funding, put ‘did not receive this funding’ in Item 3 - The Activities They Are Engaged in to Advance Public Health on the last page of the PPR.

The FY23 ILS PPR is due in the portal by 1/31/24.

1. ***Fraud Alert: Scam Calls Targeting Older Adults:***For more information, please visit this link.

1. ***NIH designates people with disabilities as a population with health disparities:***For more information, please visit this link. 

1. ***IL Network Contact Updates:***As a reminder, if there are any contact information changes for CIL Executive Directors, SILC Executive Directors, SILC Chairs or DSE’s, please let your Program Officer know. To verify the current name and contact information for your Program Officer, please view the OILP staff list on ACL’s website.

1. ***Save the Date for November’s OILP Quarterly Connection Call:*** Please join ACL staff and your colleagues for our upcoming Quarterly Connection Call from the Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP) on ***November 30, 2023 from 3:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Eastern Time.***To register, please visit this link. After registering, participants have the option to add the information to their calendars.

1. *NIDILRR Grant Tips:*NIDILRR has published a new resource, *Tips for NIDILRR Grant**Applicants*, available in the Noteworthy from NIDILRR section of the About NIDILRR page. The tip sheet includes guidance for prospective grantees which may be helpful before and during the application process, such as how to contact NIDILRR, ways to learn about new funding opportunities, registering at grants.gov, language use in applications, and tracking applications throughout the review process. 

1. ***AoD IL Technical Assistance Evaluation Results Posted on Website:***The Administration on Disabilities (AoD) has posted the results from the IL Technical Assistance Evaluation. The results and other materials are available here under the heading of AoD IL Technical Assistance Evaluation.

1. ***OILP Monthly Newsletters Posted on Website:***The OILP newsletters from May 2023—present are now available on our website here under the heading of Office of Independent Living Programs Monthly Newsletters. 

1. ***FY21 CIL PPR Data Posted on Website:***The FY21 CIL PPR data is now available on our website here under the heading of Annual Performance Data and Outcomes. 

1. ***CIL Fact Sheet Now Available on Website:***The CIL fact sheet has been published on ACL’s website here.

1. ***SPIL Instrument and Instructions Posted on Website:***The updated SPIL instrument and instructions are now available on our website here under the heading of Submitting State Plans for Independent Living.

1. ***Audit Confirmation Requests:*** Many Centers for Independent Living have reached out to request verifications for their independent fiscal audits. Please be advised that audit confirmation requests should be sent to pmsoigaudit@psc.hhs.gov. 

1. ***Indirect Cost Rates:***For questions regarding indirect cost rates, contact information can be found at https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/asa/psc/indirect-cost-negotiations/index.html.

1. ***Allowable Expenses:***OILP has recently received questions from our grantees regarding allowable costs. For additional guidance, please consult 45 CFR 75.403 and contact the fiscal officer listed in your notice of award.

1.  ***Public Health Workforce Funding:***The Public Health Workforce funding was released for both CIL and ILS Programs in March 2022.  The guidance is available here under Guidance for ACL Programs, subheading of Public Health Workforce Grants.  

# Conferences, Trainings and Technical Assistance

###### 1. SILC Congress 2024 Early Bird Registration Now Open and Request for Workshop Proposals: SILC Congress 2024 will be held in Little Rock, Arkansas on March 11-13, 2024. Early Bird Registration is open until November 15, 2023. To register, please visit https://form.jotform.com/232506406195050. 

###### If you are interested in submitting a workshop proposal, please visit https://forms.gle/bHmXKuq6AaJwJ4ww5. Please direct proposal questions to Molly Cole at silccongressinfo@gmail.com or molly@ctsilc.org. The submission deadline is *January 5, 2024.*

###### 1. Webinar Series on Contracting to Address Health-Related Social Needs: You are invited to join the Partnership to Align Social Care, the Aging and Disability Business Institute, and Camden Coalition for a webinar series offering a deep dive into leading contracting practices to effectively and efficiently address health-related social needs. 

###### Held on the second Tuesday of each month from October-December 2023, webinar details are below. 

1. ***Defining Core Activities: Developing an Effective Scope of Work for Contracted Partners***

0. November 14, 2023, 12:00-1:00 PM ET 

1. ***Operationalizing Contracts: Improving Contracting Implementation and Collaboration***

1. **​​​​​​​**December 12, 2023, 12:00-1:00 PM ET

###### To register for any or all of the series, please visit the following link.

1. ***Webinar: Promoting Autonomy for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities through Decisional and Other Supports:***You are invited to join this webinar on ***November 14, 2023, from 2:00 - 3:15 P.M. Eastern Time.***The training will explore strategies for identifying and implementing decisional and other supports for adults who might need assistance in particular areas, and will discuss how advocates who work with adults can, through the thoughtful implementation of well-crafted supports, maximize their client’s autonomy while minimizing the intrusion on decision-making authority. This training will look at the broad range of support mechanisms and strategies available. To register, click on the hyperlink above.

1. ***Community Care Hub 101 Learning Series:***ACL and the Center of Excellence to Align Health and Social Care invite community-based organizations (CBOs) serving as community care hubs (CCHs) and CBOs interested in learning more about the CCH model to participate in an upcoming four-part Community Care Hub 101 learning series. 

The series will take place on four Thursdays from mid-November through December 2023:

**Introduction to Community Care Hubs**

November 16, 2023, 2:00-3:30 PM ET

**Core Functions of Community Care Hubs**

November 30, 2023, 2:00-3:30 PM ET

**Contracting Opportunities to Address Health-Related Social Needs**

December 7, 2023, 2:00-3:30 PM ET

**Building the Community Care Hub Business Case**

December 14, 2023, 2:00-3:30 PM ET

Registrants will receive access to all four webinars. All registrants will receive a copy of the webinar slides and follow-up resources. To register, please visit here.

1. ***Webinar: The Power of Your SPIL:***Thank you to all of you who recently joined******the IL-NET National Training & Technical Assistance (T&TA) Center and ACL for this webinar on October 26th. The recording and presentation materials are available at https://www.ilru.org/training/power-your-spil-15-hours. 

1. ***SPIL Training and Technical Assistance Series:***Please join IL-NET's newly launched monthly virtual meeting that offers comprehensive training and technical assistance for the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). These sessions are aimed at providing you with in-depth training on SPIL requirements, while also offering a platform to discuss how to leverage your plan to build cross-coordination and elevate the IL network in your state. By participating, you will have the opportunity to learn from experts and peers alike and gain valuable insights on how to make the most of your SPIL. Don't miss out on this opportunity and join us on the first Thursday of every month. To register or for more information, please visit this link.

1. ***2023 Rural Conversation Series: 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 1:00 p.m. Eastern***

The Rural Conversation Community series is provided by ILRU's IL-NET National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living and facilitated by APRIL, the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living. There are no presenters or designated speakers in these conversations; they are an informal time and space to gather with your peers and share about current events and ask your peers questions. Captioning and ASL are provided. Bring your questions for your peers and updates on your CIL’s creative solutions and activities to share.Click this link for more information.

1. ***Youth Coordinator Connect Meetings: 1st Tuesday of the Month at 2:00 p.m. Eastern***

Join us to begin building a community of peer support and sharing for Youth Program Coordinators. Come share your experiences and tips and tricks and problem solve barriers to growing and implementing youth programs in your Center for Independent Living. Meet and learn from your colleagues throughout the country who are working towards the common goal of improving services for youth with disabilities.

Each month we will discuss a topic as it relates to youth programs and services.  These topics are chosen as a group.  We will also brainstorm solutions for barriers that may come up in your programs.Click Here for more information.

1. ***Advocacy Committee Meetings: 1st Wednesday of the Month at 4:00 p.m. Eastern***

APRIL is a national membership organization dedicated to advancing the rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities in rural America.

APRIL is committed to an aggressive and culturally appropriate advocacy strategy tied to its Vision statement: “APRIL is the unified voice of independent living in rural America.” In furtherance of that Vision, APRIL has engaged hundreds of members and dedicated many hours aimed at developing a mission-focused system-change agenda to further the civil rights of all people with disabilities regardless of age, disability, income, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or nationality.

Equally important to us, is ensuring that young people with disabilities are integrated into all facets of program development and delivery. We are truly committed to the mantra “Nothing About Us, Without Us.”  The advocacy committee works to address APRIL’s advocacy priorities.Click Here for more information.

1. ***Emergency Prep Committee: 2nd Monday of the Month at 3:00 p.m. Eastern***

APRIL began this committee to support CILs and SILCs in their efforts on emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. 

We are in a constant climate crisis. Disasters and emergencies are increasing in intensity and frequency. Persons with disabilities are 26% of the US population. Disabled people are disproportionately impacted by disasters and emergencies. We are 2-to-4 times more likely to die or be injured during a disaster. 

We are all first responders when disasters strike in our localities. Let’s get together to share good practices and strategies, information and resources, and peer support before, during, and after disasters and emergencies. 

Click Here for more information.

# Employment Opportunities

1. ***FTA is Hiring:***FTA is seeking candidates for several positions. The agency is introducing new programs and expanding existing initiatives following passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Open positions include environmental protection specialist (multiple locations); supervisory management analyst; supervisory transportation program specialist (Region 9/San Francisco); supervisory transportation program specialist (multiple locations); and financial analyst (multiple locations). 

See USAJobs.gov for more information and deadlines to apply.

# Opportunities for Engagement

1. ***AHRQ Protocol on Healthcare Delivery of Clinical Preventive Services for People with Disabilities Now Available:***The Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) Program at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has posted the protocol for **Healthcare Delivery of Clinical Preventive Services for People with Disabilities**. The protocol is available at the Effective Health Care web site.

In addition, if there is **unpublished scientific information** relevant to this topic, we encourage you to submit it via the Supplemental Evidence and Data for Systematic Reviews (SEADS) portal. The deadline for submissions is November 24, 2023. Materials submitted cannot be confidential; they may be made public. This is a voluntary request for information.

The purpose of the review is: (1) to document and summarize identified primary barriers and facilitators to the receipt of clinical preventive services among people with disabilities; and (2) to identify and synthesize the literature on the effectiveness of interventions to improve the receipt of clinical preventive services among people with disabilities. The review is intended for the target audiences of policymakers, healthcare organizations, advocates for people with disabilities, and researchers, to help guide and inform efforts to address disparities in the receipt of clinical preventive services among people with disabilities.

The protocol describes the purpose and scope of the review, the key questions, and inclusion/exclusion criteria about what types of studies will be included.

AHRQ is a government agency tasked with producing evidence to improve the quality of healthcare while working with partners to ensure that the evidence is understood and used. Below are links that provide more information on the EPC Program.

1. ***Aging and Disability Business Institute Launches Fifth CBO-Health Care Contracting Survey:***The Aging and Disability Business Institute is seeking participation in the latest Community-Based Organization and Health Care Contracting Survey. They hope to hear about your health care contracting experiences.

To access the survey, please click here by ***December 1, 2023.*** The survey is open to all types of aging and disability community-based organizations (CBOs) and networks regardless of whether they are currently contracting with a health care entity.

If you have questions about completing the survey or are experiencing technical issues, contact the Survey Helpline at (855) 359-3033 or RFI5survey@MiamiOH.edu.Learn more about the CBO-Health Care Contracting Survey on the Business Institute’s website.  

1. ***HHS Proposes to Strengthen Protections Against Discrimination Based on Disability:*** Please see the information linked below and here.  

**Fact sheet** from the HHS Office for Civil Rights (available in multiple languages) 

**Press Release**: *HHS Issues New Proposed Rule to Strengthen Prohibitions Against Discrimination on the Basis of a Disability in Health Care and Human Services Programs*

**Federal Register notice**: Full text of the proposed regulations

**About the Rehabilitation Act of 1973**

1. ***Policy Round Up: Medicare affordability, child welfare equity, Long COVID clinics and more:***In this recent edition of the Policy Round Up*,*there are several proposed rules that are open for public comment through November 2023.

1. ***National Accessible Transportation Accelerator Network Seeking Members:***The National Accessible Transportation Accelerator Network (NATAN) is a component of the Accessible Transportation Resource Center (ATRC), led by the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and funded by the Administration on Community Living (ACL). The NATAN consists of a diverse array of organizations interested in advancing accessibility of transportation for people with disabilities and older adults. The NATAN will increase awareness and adoption of strategies to improve the accessibility of transportation systems and services. NATAN members will support the NTAC by:   

1. Disseminating information on accessible transportation strategies from NTAC to their networks. 

1. Applying the information and lessons learned from NTAC to improve accessibility of transportation nationwide. 

1. Identifying issues impacting accessibility of transportation. 

1. Serving as a resource to NTAC and other NATAN members on strategies to improve transportation accessibility. 

To learn more or join NATAN, email atrc@acl.hss.gov

1. ***Ongoing Recruitment of CILs and SILCs for COVID Test Distribution:*** CILs and SILCs are encouraged to participate in the Administration for Community Living and the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) which provides COVID 19 tests to be distributed freely in your communities. For more information, please contact Ed Ahern.   

# Funding Opportunities

1. ***Request for Applications for 2023-2024 Community Care Hub National Learning Community:*** ACL has extended the deadline for the 2023-2024 Community Care Hub National Learning Community to ***November 8, 2023****.* Please see additional information about the opportunity at this link.

1. ***New Program: Helping States Increase Access to Housing-Related Services and Supports:*** The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the launch of the Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator, which will support states in developing or expanding innovative housing-related supports and services for Medicaid-eligible people with disabilities and older adults who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. As the name suggests, the Partnership Accelerator will focus on helping states improve collaboration and coordination between organizations and systems that provide services and resources that help people find — and keep — stable housing in the community.

Participating teams will include state Medicaid agencies, as well as state and community organizations focused on homelessness and housing, aging and disability, substance abuse, public health, and more. To be eligible, states must have a (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services-approved) Section 1115 demonstration project or Section 1915(i) state plan home and community-based services benefit covering housing-related supports for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. (Sections 1115 and 1915 of the Social Security Act authorize programs that test ways to deliver and pay for health care services in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.)

More details about this funding opportunity will be shared at an information session (via Zoom) on ***November 13, from 2:00-3:00 PM Eastern Time.***Advance registration is required. Complete details also can be found in the program overviews. 

***Letters of intent are due November 15, 2023 and final applications are due December 1, 2023.***  Instructions for both and links to the online forms can be found on the Accelerator webpage. 

1. ***HUD Publishes Four NOFOs under FHIP:***NFHTA is pleased to share that HUD recently published four Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) under its Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) on grants.gov. 

Eligible national and local fair housing organizations may apply for funding under the Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI), the Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI) and the Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI) to:

Carry out education and outreach activities to inform the public, housing providers, and local governments about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act.

Build the capacity and effectiveness of non-profit fair housing organizations, particularly organizations that focus on the rights and needs of underserved populations, including rural and immigrant populations.

Provide fair housing enforcement by conducting investigations, testing to identify discrimination in rental and sales markets, and filing fair housing complaints with HUD.

Applications for the four NOFOs linked below are due ***November 30, 2023 by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.***

***Education and Outreach Initiative, FR-6700-N-21-A*********

***Education and Outreach Initiative, Test Coordinator Training, FR-6700-N-71-A***

***Fair Housing Organizations Initiative, FR-6700-N-21-B***

***Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI), FR-6700-N-21-C***

For questions or additional information regarding the NOFOs, please email allaboutfhip@hud.gov. 

1. ***ACL Announces New Funding to Improve Support for Family Caregivers:***ACL is pleased to announce $3 million in new funding over four years to further advance our support of the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers (the Strategy). ACL will award one cooperative agreement for a project of national scope intended to foster advancements in two programs authorized by the Older Americans Act (OAA) — the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Native American Caregiver Support Program. 

To apply, please visit here. Applications are due by ***December 11, 2023.***

1. ***New Funding Opportunity for Small Business Innovation Research Program:***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.  The deadline to apply is ***December 18, 2023.***

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase I

The purpose of the SBIR Program is to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting federal research or research and development needs, and improve the return on investment from federally funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation. The goal is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through research and development of products generated by small businesses — and to increase the commercial application of NIDILRR-supported research results and development products. All SBIR projects funded by NIDILRR must address the needs of individuals with disabilities and promote their health and function, community living, or employment outcomes.

To apply, please visit this link. 

# Transition Services

1. *New DOL Dialogue on Transition to Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities:*The Department of Labor (DOL), in collaboration with partners across federal agencies, has launched an ePolicyWorks dialogue, Our Future Matters: Informing the Federal Interagency Strategy, to gather ideas and experiences that may improve policies and practices leading to a smooth transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities. These young people face unique challenges that may complicate their educational trajectories as well as their plans for school, training, and work. As a result, they may have poorer adult educational and employment outcomes than their peers without disabilities and may have difficulty achieving maximum independence. Anyone with a personal or professional interest in supporting the aspirations of youth and young adults with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities is invited to participate in this virtual public engagement event. Registration is free but required to submit ideas or to vote or comment on submitted ideas.

1. ***Blog on Transition Aged Youth:***Please see this blog post from Mathematica on employment opportunities for youth with disabilities.

1. ***Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice:***The Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice recently published *Georgia’s Youth Mentorship Strategy: Using Mentors to Support**Youth Ambassadors.*The publication is available here. In addition, we invite you to read Trina's story which demonstrates the impact of supported decision making. 

# Sharing Your Stories

1. ***Independent Resources, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware:***Independent Resources, Inc. has recently shared some successes of their COVID test distribution partnership. 

1. Attend community outreach and vaccination events in all Delaware counties and distribute test kits. 

1. Reach out through email, phone calls, and deliver test kits to different organizations, churches, and schools in the area. 

1. Partner with the Food Bank to distribute COVID test kits during the food drive.

1. Partner with the Kent County Health Coalition to distribute test kits to members of the brown, black, and Hispanic communities.

1. Reach out to different physicians in the area so they can perform tests on their patients.

1. Distribute test kits to all IRI employees, clients, and their family members.

1. ***OILP is Seeking Success Stories:***The Office of Independent Living Programs wants to highlight examples of the amazing work of our CIL and ILS colleagues! Therefore, we are asking you, our colleagues, to help us share your stories by copying your Program Officer on any press releases that are distributed. Please visit our website at https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living# to view the contact list for the Office of Independent Living Programs. We appreciate your support!

1. ***CILs and the Caregiving Community:***We want to hear about the roles CILs are playing in the caregiving community and how you might be helping to integrate Independent Living philosophy into caregiving. If you have any resources or previous experience, please reach out to Ed Ahern.  

# Resources

###### 1. Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network Statement on the 60th Anniversary of the DD Act: Please visit this link. 

###### 1. ACL Blog: Advancing Equity and Access to Employment Through Assistive Technology: Please find assistive technology resources in the blog post here.

###### 1. *ACL Awards Disability Research Grants:*Under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program, ACL has awarded 14 DRRP grants, with estimated annual funding ranging from $200,000 to $924,000. The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, trainings, and related activities (including international activities) to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities. For more information about these grants, including estimated annual funding and point of contact, please visit ACL.gov. 

1. ***Voting Accessibility Resources from ACL:***To view ACL’s updated voting resource page, please visit here. 

1. ***CDC Resource—Places:***PLACES (**P**opulation **L**evel **A**nalysis and **C**ommunity **Es**timates) has expanded its local-level data to include disability status and type for the first time. Places captures the entire U.S. population to provide county-, place-, census tract-, and ZIP Code Tabulation Area-level data about health risk behaviors (e.g., smoking), health outcomes (e.g., asthma), health status (e.g., mental health), and prevention practices (e.g., mammography use). ******

This new **PLACES** data provides local-level disability estimates alongside other community health data for the first time.  The latest data include 36 health-related measures, including (7) new disability measures: hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self-care, independent living, and any disability. For more information or if you have questions, please e-mail PLACES@cdc.gov.

1. ***CDC Health Promotion Materials Available:***The collection is comprised of 20 materials including posters, flyers and handouts, social media images, magnets and decals, storybooks, audio files, and a user guide to help partners understand the purpose and intended use of these materials. 

1. ***CDC Respiratory Virus Toolkits Now Available:***This webpage features toolkits and resources for a variety of audiences that we hope helps you to prepare for the 2023 respiratory virus season.******

Current toolkits are tailored toward healthcare providers, older adults, pregnant people, parents, people with disability, and much more. The healthcare provider toolkit is the newest resource, which includes materials on how to talk with patients about flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines, print materials for patients, comprehensive clinical guidance, and more.

1. ***Disability Vaccine Access Opportunities Center Resource Hub Launched:***Resources and toolkits are available to serve people with disabilities before, during and after public health emergencies at this link.

1. ***Crisis Services Map for Indigenous People:***

The THRIVE suicide prevention project at Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, in partnership with the Indian Health Service (IHS), has developed an interactive **Crisis Services for Indigenous People**map by IHS regions in the United States. For access to the map, go to  https://www.npaihb.org/thrive/crisis-intervention-services/. This map was developed to prevent people, especially those from indigenous communities, from needing more restrictive care, such as psychiatric hospitalization or emergency detention. 

1. ***The U.S. Department of Transportation Launches Public Awareness Campaign to Ensure Air Travelers with Disabilities Know Their Rights:***For more information, please visit this link.

1. ***Federal Transit Administration Issues Dear Colleague Letter Highlighting Grant Programs to Support Real-time ADA Paratransit Service:***To promote equity in public transportation, the Federal Transit Administration has issued a Dear Colleague Letter to highlight FTA grant programs that can be used to provide paratransit service to eligible riders on a real-time basis and/or allow for intermediate stops. 

4. ***U.S. Department of Education Awards Nearly $199 Million to Improve Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Through Partnerships:***For more information, please view this press release.

1. ***Issue Brief & Fact Sheet—HCBS Equity Framework:***Justice in Aging developed an HCBS Equity Framework to support policymakers, payers, providers, advocates, and consumers in making equity a primary focus at every stage of HCBS program design and implementation.  

Their issue brief,******An Equity Framework for Evaluating and Improving Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services, describes how inequities can be embedded in various aspects of program design, provider availability, program awareness and enrollment, assessments and authorization of services, and provision of HCBS. It includes examples of how these inequities show up in existing HCBS programs and offers tips for stakeholders to begin to evaluate and improve programs in their state.

A companion Fact Sheet can also be found here.

1. ***HHS Launches Office of Long COVID Research and Practice:***For more information and to view the announcement, please visit here.

1. ***ACL Expands DIAL to include self-service features:***ACL’s Disability Information and Access Line has launched a new tool to help people with disabilities find local services and resources to support community living. Through DIAL’s new website and its searchable database, users can now find the information they need, at any time of day, every day of the year. 

1. ***Disability, Diversity, and Intersectionality in CILs:***For research, training, and technical assistance resources, please visit ILRU’s website at https://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-diversity. 

Please share this newsletter with your staff so they are able to use these great resources. As always, please feel free to contact our office if you have questions.

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