The National Information and Referral Support Center, administered by ADvancing States, in partnership with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), shared findings from the aging and disability I&R/A field in the report The Changing Landscape of Aging and Disability Information and Referral/Assistance: 2015 Survey of Aging and Disability I&R/A Agencies. This report captures the current state of I&R/A service provision, including trends and developments, challenges and opportunities, and promising practices, through survey responses provided by representatives from state agencies on aging and disability, Area Agencies on Aging, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Centers for Independent Living, non-profit human service organizations and national organizations. Key themes to emerge from the survey data are:

Theme 1: Funding and Sustainability are Significant Concerns among Aging and Disability I&R/A Agencies;

Theme 2: Partnerships and Networks Continue to Evolve to Serve Both Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities;

Theme 3: A Changing Environment and Expanding Roles Provide New Opportunities and Challenges for I&R/A Agencies;

Theme 4: Quality Matters to Effective I&R/A Service Delivery; and

Theme 5: The Use of Technology has Increased, but There Remains Room for Growth.

Survey findings underscore that aging and disability I&R/A agencies are operating in a time of change. In a policy, fiscal, and service delivery environment that presents both challenges and potential opportunities, aging and disability I&R/A agencies must continue to cultivate partnerships and leverage innovations that enhance and modernize the provision of I&R/A services.  

Click here to view the report.