The DC Bridging Aging and Disability Networks Project continues the learning and systems change efforts that have been in progress over the last 10+ years to support families, facilitate cross-agency coordination, and engage all DC residents in building fair and user-friendly disability and aging services and supports.
Objectives:
- Better support individuals with disabilities to maintain dignity and rights as they age.
- Better support and connect with aging caregivers (family and paid caregivers like direct support professionals - DSPs, home health aides - HHAs, etc.).
- Build capacity for broad community engagement across aging and disability networks.
- Build sustainable relationships between aging and disability service networks.
Upcoming Activities:
Future Planning Open House
Puertas Abiertas para Planificación Futura
Thinking about the future can be challenging and emotional but it is necessary. Join us for an opportunity to learn more and meet 1-on-1 with a Future Planning Navigator who will assist you in identifying the resources you need to start planning.
Pensar en el futuro puede ser difícil y emotivo, pero es necesario. Únase con nosotros para obtener más información y reunirse personalmente con un Asesor de Planificación del Futuro que le ayudará a identificar los recursos necesarios para comenzar a planificar.
Thursday, November 6, 2025 / Jueves, 6 Noviembre 2025
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday, November 6, 2025 / Jueves, 6 Noviembre 2025
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library / Biblioteca Martin Luther King, Jr.
5th Floor / 5to Piso
901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Come anytime, or sign up for a 30-minute slot to meet 1:1 with a Future Planning Navigator! ¡Ven en cualquier momento o regístrase para un espacio de 30 minutos para reunirse personalmente con un Asesor de Planificación Futura!
Registration / Registro:
https://forms.office.com/g/eNLmY1ayL8
If you have questions or need help registering, contact: / Si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda para registrarse, póngase en contacto con: Claire Simon, [email protected], 202-724-5055.
If you have questions or need help registering, contact: / Si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda para registrarse, póngase en contacto con: Claire Simon, [email protected], 202-724-5055.
Future Planning Open House Flyer - English.pdf - 620.7 KB (pdf) Future Planning Open House Flyer - Spanish.pdf - 625.3 KB (pdf)
Previous Activities:
- Collaboration with DC Supporting Families Community of Practice to support caregivers, 3-part series on self-care, community supports, and advocacy - June 6, 2024, November 26, 2024, and January 31, 2025
- Screening of documentary, "Unseen: How We're Failing Parent Caregivers and Why It Matters" - November 2023
- Future Planning Lunch and Learn Series in August 2023 - This 3-part series addressed an overview of disability and aging services in DC, financial options to plan for the future, and legal decision-making options to plan for the future. You can view each session here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhZQU_WEgEtwv4o0wukDXgWGEOTRgDT-
- Aging and Disability Panel Discussion and Community Listening Session - Wednesday, March 15, 2023, 4 – 5:30 pm on Zoom
- Aging and Disability Professionals Networking Event - Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 4 - 6 pm, Location: Department on Disability Services, 250 E Street SW
Resources
- National Council on Aging - https://www.ncoa.org/
- How to create a will, for free! - https://www.freewill.com/
State Alliance Team:
- Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) – Co-lead
- Department on Disability Services (DDS) – Co-lead
- Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)
- Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Center for Child and Human Development (GUCEDD)
- Disability Rights DC at University Legal Services (DRDC)
- Project ACTION! – DC’s self-advocacy coalition
- Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities – includes Family Ties of DC, DC’s Parent-to-Parent chapter
- RCM of Washington – disability service provider
Issues/context to keep in mind as we do this work together:
- Community engagement for quality service provision
- Intake and eligibility-related issues
- Direct care workforce crisis
- Supporting a person in the context of their family and community
- Person centered thinking
- Self-advocacy and leadership
- Aging in place/in community
- Navigating the service system
- Evaluation
- Caregiver support
- Supported decision making in aging and disability networks
If you have questions or want to get involved in this work, please contact Alison Whyte, [email protected], 202-340-8563 (call/text).
