On July 29, 2015 the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) of Nevada County put on An Aging and Disability Resource Conference in Grass Valley. The core partners of that ADRC are Agency on Aging – Area 4 and FREED. The ADRC “No Wrong Door” approach connects individuals with long-term services and supports (LTSS) and safety-net services through coordination and collaboration with local partners. In 2014, the ADRC of Nevada County was the first rural ADRC to receive official ADRC state designation.
The conference celebrated three significant anniversaries. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, two landmark laws providing equality and comprehensive services for people with disabilities and older adults. This is also FREED’s 30th year of providing services for people with disabilities in Nevada County.
The conference featured speakers and break-out workshop sessions for people with disabilities, youth with disabilities, seniors, caregivers, family members, and local service providers. Workshops included information on local resources, rural managed care, benefits and employment, care coordination under the new Medicaid Rule, assistive technology, transportation travel training, aging in place, how to develop advance health directives, and more. The conference had well over 100 people in attendance. I hope it will become an annual event.
Pam Miller,
Executive Director