Asst. Sec. Greenlee requests input on OAA reauthorization

Since 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has gainedrecognition as a unique and highly regarded statute that has stimulatedthe development of a comprehensive and coordinated service system. This system has contributed greatly to enhancing the lives of olderindividuals, family caregivers, and persons with disabilities.  In 2011Congress will consider reauthorization and amendments to the Acteffective in FY 2012.  In anticipation of this process, theAdministration on Aging (AoA) is soliciting input concerning thereauthorization through three mechanisms: (1) AoA-Convened ListeningForums; (2) OAA Reauthorization Input Events; and (3) Direct Input viathe AoA Website.

AoA-Convened Listening Forums will be held in three cities.  The inputprovided will be recorded, compiled and summarized by ScrippsGerontology Center. The dates and locations of the national listeningforums are:

Thursday, February 18, 2010     Dallas, TX
                                        Embassy Suites Hotel Dallas Near the Galleria
                                        14021 Noel Road
                                        Dallas, Texas 75240
                                        (972) 354-3659

Thursday, February 25, 2010     Washington, DC
                                        The Westin Alexandria-DC, Alexandria, VA
                                        400 Courthouse Square
                                        Alexandria, VA  22314
                                        (703) 253-8628

Wednesday, March 3, 2010                San Francisco, CA
                                        Hyatt Regency San Francisco
                                        5 Embarcadero Center
                                        San Francisco, CA 94111
                                        (415) 981-3638

The forums in Dallas and San Francisco will convene at 9:00 a.m. andconclude at 4:30 p.m.  They will begin with morning panel sessionsorganized to focus on a limited number of national topic areas in thefollowing broad categories: (1) Elder Rights and Elder Justice; (2)Prevention & Wellness – Healthy Aging; and (3) Aging NetworkInfrastructure for Serving Diverse Needs.  The Washington DC forum willalso convene at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m.  It will includethe 3 categories of topics above, as well as a fourth category,Capacity of the Aging Network. 

Following the panel sessions, each forum will host a general session toallow participants to present their views on the reauthorization of theOAA.  In order to provide as many people as possible the opportunity tooffer input, each participant will be limited to three minutes. Persons planning to make presentations during the general sessionshould pre-register with Abbe Lackmeyer, 866-598-0102,linscoae@muohio.edu to reserve a time slot.  If all slots are notfilled through pre-registration, a limited number of on-site time slotsmay be available.

OAA Reauthorization Input Events may be held by any national, state,tribal, regional or local organization.  These can range fromworkshops, board meetings, public forums, or conferences designed tosolicit public input regarding issues to be considered during the nextreauthorization of the OAA.  Following the events, summary reportsdeveloped by the sponsoring organization(s) may be submitted to AoA.  Visit http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/OAA/Reauthorization/Index.aspx for more information.