American Rescue Plan Act: Modernizing Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Improving support for older adults and adults with disabilities
Wisconsin residents who are aging or have a disability may have challenges living independently, but aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) can help. ADRCs and Tribal ADRSs provide free, unbiased information and connection to resources.
The Department of Health Services has dedicated funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to improve and modernize ADRCs throughout the state. The Division of Medicaid Services (DMS) and the Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources (BADR) in the Division of Public Health are collaborating on this initiative.
Project goals
If you need extra help, knowing how to find it can be difficult, but people who are aging or have a disability can benefit from the services provided by ADRCs. One of the key goals is to get information to you as quickly and easily as possible. This initiative aims to:
- Improve access to ADRC resources
- Increase awareness of ADRCs throughout Wisconsin
- Diversify and modernize ADRC services, focusing on equity
- Support the increasing demand for ADRC services
Project focus areas
There are five focus areas in various stages of development. Together, they goal is to create an enhanced ADRC experience for people who could benefit most.
We are exploring the benefits of having an easy-to-use, centralized ADRC website, featuring:
- Universally accessible design
- Seamless connection to local ADRCs
- Video library of tutorials and helpful information
- Self-service options, like being able to find service providers
Today, the state’s ADRCs have their own resource specialists. We have created new positions for regional resource specialists, who will contribute their experience and knowledge of best practices to statewide ADRC improvements. Their responsibilities include:
- Compiling resources from local ADRCs and tribes throughout the state to establish a centralized, shared resource library
- Developing an inclusion and exclusion policy to apply to resources
To highlight ADRCs and these improvements, we will launch a coordinated, statewide marketing and outreach campaign to:
- Promote the centralized website and its virtual resources
- Describe how ADRCs serve as a trusted source of local support
- Encourage people with newly identified needs to contact ADRCs right away for help and information
DHS sent letters to 300 randomly selected ADRC customers who had contact with an ADRC last year. CMRignite may contact customers who received these letters about completing a survey. Participation is voluntary. Customers do not need to complete the survey to receive services from an ADRC or a long-term care program.
We will provide easy-to-find and easy-to-understand information about publicly funded long-term care programs. Improvements include:
- Updated enrollment counseling publications using plain language
- Additional long-term care program information in the resource database
We plan to create a modernized client tracking system for ADRCs and aging program that may include:
- Improved user interface
- Customizable reports
- Document storage
- Ability to work with other systems
- Additional features based on feedback from state and local partners
Advisory committee
The ADRC Modernization Advisory Committee supports the initiative with feedback and guidance. The group:
- Includes representatives from a variety of partner and stakeholder groups
- Meets bimonthly to give input about the decision-making process of the workgroup and vendors
- Provide advice on all aspects of the project