CONTACT: Seth Boffeli, Communications Director, 608-266-1683 

U.S. GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZES WISCONSIN FOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCES

MADISON- The federal Administration on Aging (AoA) has recognized the Wisconsin Department of Health Services' pioneering work and continued innovation with Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). Assistant Secretary for Aging, Kathy Greenlee, announced the "Outstanding Achievement Award" at a national conference last month. Addressing an audience of people who are developing ADRCs in 55 states and territories across the country, the Federal officials recognized the Wisconsin as the creator of ADRCs, and emphasized that this is the model other states should follow. Deputy Assistant Secretary John Wren said that the Wisconsin model embraces AoA's vision and goals for ADRCs.

"The Aging and Disability Resource Centers that are now serving 85% of our state have worked hard to implement the mission of a 'one-stop' source of information and help for people who are elderly or have disabilities," said Secretary Karen Timberlake in response to the special recognition. "Addressing the complex needs of people who are very elderly or living with significant disabilities requires the grassroots assistance of people who know about all of the resources that can help solve problems, and who respect the independence of people who want to choose their own course of action," she added.

National officials praised the "person-centered, full-service" approach that serves people regardless of income or the type of information or assistance they require. Resource Centers have been a key element of the state's Family Care legislation that provides comprehensive and coordinated long-term care services, primarily in communities. Governor Doyle has continued to support the value of the Aging and Disability Resource Centers throughout his tenure. The ADRCs are able to explain how programs and government systems work, and what different service providers can offer, at what costs. Benefit specialists at the ADRCs assist people with programs such as Medicare, Social Security, SeniorCare, FoodShare and other benefit programs.

There were 275,000 unique individual contacts with Resource Centers in Wisconsin in 2009. Over $8 million federal dollars were brought into the state economy from individuals who used the benefit specialists to gain access to Social Security income and disability insurance benefits. At present, there are 35 Aging and Disability Resource Centers in the state.

For more information and a list of contacts, visit:  http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ltcare/adrc. 

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Last Revised:  April 15, 2013