Initiative Description
The Bureau of Aging and Disabilities Resources (BADR), located within the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) includes offices that address the service delivery needs of both individuals with disabilities and those who are older. This puts WisTech in a position to collaborate closely with the ADRCs, Aging Units, and Tribal Aging units. This past year WisTech has actively participated in the planning of a monthly Aging and Disability Forum that provides support, education, and fosters collaboration among aging programs and independent living centers. BADR staff from each of the associated departments and the Bureau Director participate in this planning.
Lessons Learned/Replication
The Aging and Disability Forums served several purposes. Initially, the purpose was to provide education and support regarding COVID. This included safety, best practices for service delivery, and reconstituting in-person services. Additional outcomes included furthering equity and inclusion as well as modeling accessible meeting practices for people with disabilities. WisTech, serving on this committee enabled the topic of AT to remain "visible" to the planners and the participants. We have included the I&A numbers related to AT as tracked by the ADRCs and will be evaluating what the impact of these forums had by looking at the data from prior to the ADN Forums and what they will look like in the future.