This workshop is designed for Aging and Disability Resource Professionals. The workshop will provide an overview of a typical scenario of an older adult or person with a disability with Medicare when they attempt to obtain medications or obtain care when released from incarceration. Using real case scenarios, ADRCS will learn what they can do to assist individuals experiencing problems upon release. Developed materials from a NCOA funded pilot will be shared. Patricia Richardson, State Unit on Aging, Hartford, Connecticut

The 2018 National Survey of Aging and Disability Information & Referral/Assistance Agencies surveyed I&R/A specialists about screening, assessment tools, application assistance, and promising practices for the Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and energy assistance. This session will present the survey results, invite participants to share their benefits outreach tools, and discuss their experiences with screening and enrollment. We will also share samples from other agencies doing benefits outreach and enrollment, and solicit feedback on what products could be helpful to provide assistance in I&R/A benefits screening. Brandy Bauer, National Council on Aging (NCOA), Arlington, Virginia; Samantha Gardner, ADvancing States, Washington, District of Columbia

This session will discuss current and emerging issues in national Medicaid policy and programming. Topics discussed will include Medicaid 1115 waivers, including new policies around work requirements and non-emergency medical transportation; the expansion of managed long-term services and supports; implementation of electronic visit verification; and implementation of new requirements for the characteristics of home and community-based services. The session will highlight the key considerations and potential impacts of these issues on older adults and people with disabilities. Damon Terzaghi, ADvancing States, Washington, District of Columbia

Social Security touches the lives of millions of older Americans and people with disabilities. Our programs serve as a vital financial protection during times of hardship, transition, and uncertainty. As baby boomers age and an unprecedented number of Americans enter their most disability prone years, it is critical that SSA collaborate with Information and Referral organizations. Join us for an interactive session about our key programs. We will show you how you can help others access some of our most requested services: Benefit Verification Letters, Medicare Replacement Cards, New Wage Reporting option for SSDI claimants, etc. In addition, the presenter will answer all your Social Security questions. Rosalie Alviar, United States Social Security Administration, Dallas, Texas

Too often older adults are unable to find transportation that meets their needs. In some cases, this is because transportation is inadequate, but in other cases, the reason is that older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers do not know who to contact in their community for transportation information. Increasingly, I&R programs are asked for answers to address transportation needs. If you are struggling to assist an increasing number of older adults and individuals with disabilities with finding transportation, are challenged to identify community transportation resources and/or you are not sure who in your community has transportation knowledge and can offer assistance, this session is for you. This interactive session will include information about transportation options, showcase programs that focus on helping connect older adults and people with disabilities to ride options and discuss how such programs interface with both I&R/A and transportation providers. The session will include a facilitated activity that will ultimately guide I&R/As and ADRCs to address challenging transportation ride request scenarios and to locate best options to meet a caller’s transportation need. Patrice Earnest, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a); Washington, District of Columbia; Melissa Gray, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a); Washington, District of Columbia; Brittney Tree, Community Council/Dallas Area Agency on Aging, Dallas, Texas

The presentation will provide I&R Management, Specialists, and Resource staff a forum to discuss and learn about issues related to aging populations and emergency services. When everyone calls 911, 911 may call you about reaching individuals who fall and have ongoing health conditions! Coordinators of evidence-based health programs will share creative ways to increase participant enrollment in health education programs and further support communities with social service needs. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions of Area Agency on Aging and emergency service personnel. Kelly Blair, Community Council/Dallas Area Agency on Aging, Dallas, Texas; Jessica Walker, Community Council/Dallas Area Agency on Aging, Dallas, Texas; Isaac Gooch, City of Dallas/Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, Dallas, Texas; Jarrod Gilstrap, City of Dallas/Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, Dallas, Texas

When a caregiver contacts you to learn about local services, it is critical to listen between the lines to hear who really needs help. Most often, support is needed for both care partners, the caregiver as well as the care receiver. The typical higher-hour caregiver has been providing care for around 5 years and expects to continue care for another 5 years. What are the assessment tools, initiatives, and services that can help caregivers in their journey? This interactive session will include useful resources that you can take back to your community to provide support to those who care for others. Kate Kunk, CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions, Indianapolis, Indiana; Patrice Earnest, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), Washington, District of Columbia

Do you handle calls requesting transportation? Join us for an interactive workshop that will introduce you to a core principle of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that is known as reasonable modification to policy and practice. This session will inform attendees on the requirement for public transportation providers (fixed route bus and ADA paratransit) on the process and requirements for effectively handing reasonable modification requests. A representative from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will provide his perspectives and experience in responding to reasonable modification of policy requests for the transit agency. A representative from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will provide a description of their process and examples of reasonable modification of policy requests. Kenneth Thompson, National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), Easter Seals, Washington, District of Columbia; Marcus Moore, Jr., Assistant Vice President of Civil Rights, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Dallas, Texas

In 1984, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched what has become a national movement, Volunteer Caregiving. Today, 650 programs are located throughout the United States, including the territories of Guam and Puerto Rico. Our volunteers give 2-4 hours per week in neighborly deeds, which includes transportation. Whether it’s a ride to the doctor, picking up groceries/medicine, paperwork, changing a lightbulb, frail seniors and people with disabilities benefit from a friendly visitor who lends a helping hand. Learn about this great community resource. Tammy I. Glenn, National Volunteer Caregiving Network, Old Bridge, New Jersey

Presenters will share the latest updates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living (ACL); ADvancing States; the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a); and the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). These updates will give managers and front-line staff of state and local I&R/A agencies a review of current trends and developments in aging and disability policy, financing, and service delivery. Sherri Clark, Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, District of Columbia; Damon Terzaghi, ADvancing States, Washington, District of Columbia; Autumn Campbell, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a); Washington, District of Columbia.