A Descriptive List of Web Links Related to PAS

This document focuses on the equal access requirements for people with disabilities that apply to the points-of-service that address human needs, specifically the functions and activities comprising Emergency Support Function 6 (Disaster Mass Care, Housing, and Human Services). It is intended to be used by disaster relief planners and service providers, including: Federal, state, local, and tribal governments, and non-governmental and private sector organizations. The document serves as a concise reference guide that describes existing legal requirements and standards relating to access for people with disabilities. This Guide does not create new standards and obligations, financially or otherwise, nor is it intended to modify any existing legal requirements and standards.

On January 1, 2009, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008 went into effect, making some major changes to the way the definition of disability has been interpreted in the past. The changes apply to both the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. Very few people argue that these changes were not needed - the courts had interpreted the definition of disability so narrowly that hardly anyone could meet it - but the challenge now is understanding what the changes are and who is covered as of January 1st. We do not yet have any regulations nor do we have any court interpretation; all we currently have are the words of the Amendments Act and its legislative history. With that said, let's take a look at what we know so far.

AgeSource Worldwide identifies several hundred information resources in some 25 countries which are significant either in size or in their unique coverage of particular aging related issues. The resources include among others clearinghouses libraries, databases, training materials, major reports and Web metasites.

AgeStats Worldwide provides access to statistical data that compare the situation of older adults across countries or regions around a variety of issues such as demography, pensions, health and long-term care. The most recent data and projections as far ahead as 2060 are provided, where available.

You may search either or both databases at one time. Access is free of charge.

AgeSource and AgeStats Worldwide have been created by AARP to facilitate the international exchange of policy and program, relevant information in aging.

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) is a national non-profit organization established in 1999 by The American Geriatrics Society. The foundation aims to build a bridge between the research and practice of Geriatrics and the Public, and to advocate on behalf of older adults and their special health care needs. The website has information on common health problems such as diabetes, falls, etc. and educational materials on geriatrics.

The Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) is leading the charge to expedite the development, evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies that can improve the aging experience. CAST has become an international coalition of more than 400 technology companies, aging services organizations, research universities, and government representatives.

The Community Living Exchange Collaborative Clearinghouse collects and shares information about home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities of all ages from different states.

The site may also be of use to individuals with disabilities, older adults and providers to educate themselves on how to be active participants in changing systems. Researchers, policy makers and other interested parties will also find a wealth of information on the site about home and community based services.

Lists Olmstead Litigation in the 12 U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals.

The Disability Statistics Center produces and disseminates policy-relevant statistical information on the demographics and status of people with disabilities in American society. The Center's work focuses on how that status is changing over time with regard to employment, access to technology, health care, community-based services, and other aspects of independent living and participation in society.

Disability.gov, is a redesigned federal Web site that connects more than 50 million Americans with disabilities to thousands of trusted resources on disability-related issues, programs and services. Formerly known as DisabilityInfo.gov, the site has been completely redesigned and updated with new social media tools, such as a blog and a Twitter feed, to encourage feedback and interaction among visitors. Disability.gov is not just for Americans with disabilities, but also for parents of children with disabilities, employers, workforce and human resource professionals, veterans, educators, caregivers and many others.

People of every age need a plan of action in case of an emergency. Although you may be in good health, you probably aren't as agile as you used to be. Or you might have a disability that can present additional challenges. Age and disabilities do not have to be debilitating in emergencies. By planning ahead, you"ll feel more confident about protecting yourself during an emergency, whether it is a house fire, power outage, hurricane or attack on the community. Now is the time to get prepared.

EUROFAMCARE is an international research project funded within the 5th Framework Programme of the European Community, Key Action 6: The Ageing Population and Disabilities, 6.5: Health and Social Care Services to older People, Contract No QLK6-CT-2002-02647 "EUROFAMCARE". The EUROFAMCARE project will provide a European review of the situation of family carers of elderly people in relation to the existence, familiarity, availability, use and acceptability of supporting services.

The American Psychological Association's Family Caregiver Briefcase is now available. An online resource for those who work with family caregivers, the Briefcase can help professionals recognize, anticipate, and reduce the stresses on family caregivers across the life span. It provides guidance on how to assist caregivers through individual and organizational practice, research, teaching, and community service. Segments of the briefcase are also useful for family caregivers.

The components of the Family Caregiver Briefcase include:

• Caregiving facts and figures
• Strategies for reaching family caregivers
• Caregiving interventions
• Assessment tools
• Variations in practice for culturally diverse groups
• Practical aspects of providing services
• Research opportunities and considerations
• Teaching about Caregiving
• Advocacy on behalf of family caregivers
• Resources for diverse populations and age groups

What is long-term care and will I need it? If I do need long-term care services, where can I find them? Are there things I should be doing now to plan ahead?

Older adults and their loved ones can find easy-to-understand answers to these and other questions can be found on the "Long-Term Care," page, the newest topic on NIHSeniorHealth, the health and wellness website for older adults from the National Institutes of Health.

Rutgers Center for State Health Policy is an initiative of the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research (IHHCPAR) to create a formal capacity within Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, for policy analysis, research, training, facilitation, and consultation on state health policy. The Center combines Rutgers University's traditional academic strengths in public health, health services research, and social science with applied research and policy analysis initiatives. It serves as the focal point within the University for research and related activities relevant to state health policy.

An interactive U.S. map which draws from the Commission on a High Performance Health System's report, Aiming Higher: Results from a State Scorecard on Health System Performance. The map can be used to view state-specific rankings and results compared to benchmarks, and to view the number of lives and dollars each state could save by achieving benchmark levels of performance.

Steve Gold is an experienced disability rights attorney based in Pennsylvania. He maintains this website which is a very useful resource for anyone interested in disability rights in the U.S. The website provides regular bulletins on policy developments, legislation, research and statistics concerning five key issues for people with disabilities: housing, medical assistance/Medicaid, nursing homes, education, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The website presents short, easy to read bulletins and also give tips on how to use the facts and figures in state and local lobbying. It also presents sources of further information. It is possible to sign-up online to receive new bulletins by email and there is a searchable archive of all previous bulletins.

The Independent Living Institute (ILI) is a policy development center specializing in consumer-driven policies for disabled peoples' freedom of choice, self-determination, self-respect and dignity. Our ultimate goal is to promote disabled people's personal and political power. Towards this end we provide information, training materials and develop solutions for services for persons with extensive disabilities in Sweden and internationally. We are experts in designing and implementing direct payment schemes for personal assistance, mainstream taxi and assistive technology.

Through a diverse range of research projects, public service activities, and partnerships, the Institute for Health Policy seeks to increase access to health care, enhance the quality of care, and eliminate disparities in the availability and delivery of services. Timely information and practical support for decision makers improve health care for the citizens of Maine and across the nation.