Administration for Community Living

Administration for Community Living logo

Administration for Community Living (ACL) is a United States federal government agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It was established in April 2012 with the goal of increasing access to community supports, while focusing attention and resources on the unique needs of older Americans and people with disabilities across the lifespan.

History

The ACL was created by merging the efforts and achievements of the Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability, and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities into a single agency. This consolidation was aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of services and supports for individuals with disabilities and older adults. The agency was formed in response to the growing need for policies and programs that support individuals with disabilities and the aging population, enabling them to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Administration for Community Living is to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with disabilities across the lifespan, and their families and caregivers. The vision of ACL is to enable all Americans, regardless of age or disability, to live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Programs and Services

ACL administers a wide range of programs and services designed to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and older adults. These include:

- State Grants for Assistive Technology, which aim to increase access to assistive technologies that can help individuals perform tasks that they would otherwise be unable to do. - National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), a center that conducts comprehensive and coordinated research related to the full spectrum of disability and rehabilitation issues. - Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), which serve as single points of entry into the long-term services and supports system for older adults and people with disabilities. - Programs that support the health and well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act).

Impact

The work of the ACL is critical in promoting the health, well-being, and independence of millions of Americans. By focusing on the development and implementation of innovative policies and programs, the ACL plays a key role in helping older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their communities.

Challenges and Future Directions

As the population of older adults and people with disabilities continues to grow, the ACL faces ongoing challenges in meeting the increasing demand for services and supports. Future directions may include leveraging technology to enhance service delivery, developing policies that support the integration of health care and community services, and ensuring that programs are accessible to diverse populations.