NY Alliance Aging + Lifespan Supports Resource Page
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are living longer and experiencing many of the same opportunities, transitions, and changes that occur throughout life. As people age, providers, families, and communities play an important role in supporting continued health, connection, choice, independence, and meaningful participation.
The NY Alliance Aging + Lifespan Supports Resource Page brings together resources, tools, training opportunities, research, and promising practices to support people with I/DD across changing stages of life.
The NY Alliance welcomes providers, self-advocates, families, researchers, and community partners to share resources, tools, trainings, and promising practices that strengthen inclusive, person-centered supports across the lifespan.
Have a resource, training opportunity, webinar, toolkit, or promising practice to share?
Contact: Kirsten Sanchirico, Senior Vice President of Social Impact at [email protected]
Aging & Future Planning
OPWDD Task Force on Aging
The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Aging Task Force addresses emerging needs across the I/DD system, including health and wellness, caregiver supports, accessible housing, non-residential supports, and aging in community settings.
Learn More: https://opwdd.ny.gov/task-force-aging
New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA)
Resources and information related to aging services, caregiver supports, community resources, and programs that promote independence and quality of life.
Learn More: https://aging.ny.gov
NYSOFA Future Planning Guidebook for Older Caregivers
A guide designed to support older caregivers as they plan for the future with family members who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Learn More: https://aging.ny.gov
Supported Decision-Making New York
Resources supporting people with disabilities to make decisions with trusted supporters while maintaining choice, autonomy, and control.
Learn More: https://www.aimservicesinc.org/supported-decision-making/
Charting the LifeCourse
Tools and resources that help individuals, families, and supporters develop a vision for a meaningful life across the lifespan.
Learn More: https://www.lifecoursetools.com
National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems (NCAPPS)
Resources, webinars, and tools supporting person-centered planning, implementation, and systems transformation.
Learn More: https://ncapps.acl.gov
The Arc Center for Future Planning
Resources related to future planning, housing, financial planning, legal planning, and caregiver transitions.
Learn More: https://futureplanning.thearc.org
New York Connects
New York Connects provides free information and assistance to help older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and families locate long-term services and supports, benefits, transportation, housing, and community resources throughout New York State.
Learn More: https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
National nonprofit organization providing evidence-based healthy aging programs, falls prevention resources, benefits enrollment assistance, caregiver supports, and tools that promote independence and healthy aging.
Learn More: https://www.ncoa.org
Training & Workforce Development
National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG)
Training, resources, screening tools, and guidance to support dementia-capable services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Learn More: https://www.the-ntg.org
NTG Early Detection Screen for Dementia (NTG-EDSD)
A screening tool designed specifically to help identify early changes in adults with intellectual disabilities.
Learn More: https://www.the-ntg.org/ntg-edsd
Alzheimer’s Association Professional Training
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Dementia education, professional training, and caregiver resources.
Learn More: https://www.alz.org/
National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center (NADRC)
Resources and technical assistance supporting dementia-capable programs and services.
Learn More: https://nadrc.acl.gov
National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
Professional development resources and credentialing opportunities for Direct Support Professionals.
Learn More: https://nadsp.org
DirectCourse
Online training curriculum supporting disability and aging service professionals.
Learn More: https://directcourseonline.com
The Learning Community for Person-Centered Practices
Training, resources, and support for implementing person-centered thinking and planning.
Learn More: https://tlcpcp.com
Health, Wellness & Healthy Aging
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Research-based information about healthy aging, caregiving, and age-related health conditions.
Learn More: https://www.nia.nih.gov
National Down Syndrome Society Aging Resources
Resources related to aging, health, and dementia for people with Down syndrome.
Learn More: https://ndss.org
American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD)
Healthcare education and resources related to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Learn More: https://aadmd.org
CDC Healthy Aging Program
Resources focused on health promotion, prevention, and healthy aging.
Learn More: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-aging
Special Olympics Healthy Athletes
Health promotion and preventive healthcare resources for people with intellectual disabilities.
Learn More: https://www.specialolympics.org/our-work/health
CredibleMind!
A digital platform that provides expert-curated and scientifically-backed mental health and self-care resources that are specifically chosen to match your unique needs and preferences.
Learn More: https://genesee-orleansny.crediblemind.com/
Lifelong Learning, Connection & Community Participation
DOROT
Programs focused on reducing social isolation, strengthening connections, and supporting meaningful engagement for older adults through education, volunteerism, and community connection.
Learn More: https://www.dorotusa.org
DOROT University Without Walls
A lifelong learning program offering educational opportunities, discussion groups, and social connection through accessible remote programming.
Learn More: https://www.dorotusa.org/programs/university-without-walls
Third Age Committee
Providing education on older adults with IDD since 1995.
Learn More: https://thirdagecommitteeofnys.com/
Rice University Lifelong University
A lifelong learning initiative offering educational opportunities designed to support continued intellectual growth, engagement, and connection for older adults.
Learn More: https://glasscock.rice.edu/lifelong-university
Think Work
Research and resources supporting employment, retirement planning, and meaningful community participation for people with disabilities.
Learn More: https://thinkwork.org
Institute for Community Inclusion
Research and resources promoting inclusion, participation, and community belonging.
Learn More: https://ici.umn.edu
Housing, Accessibility & Technology
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA Center)
Research and resources related to universal design and accessible environments.
Learn More: https://idea.ap.buffalo.edu
RESNA Assistive Technology Resources
Information and resources related to assistive technology solutions.
Learn More: https://www.resna.org
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
Resources related to assistive technology products, services, and training.
Learn More: https://www.atia.org
TechOWL Assistive Technology Library
Assistive technology resources, demonstrations, and lending opportunities.
Learn More: https://techowlpa.org
AbleNet Assistive Technology Supports
Assistive technology products and resources supporting independence and communication.
Learn More: https://www.ablenetinc.com
Healthcare, Integrated Supports & Community Living
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
PACE provides comprehensive medical care and long-term services and supports through an interdisciplinary team approach designed to help eligible older adults remain living in the community.
Learn More: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/managed_care/mltc/pace.htm
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – PACE
Federal information about the PACE model and program requirements.
Learn More: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicaid-coordination/pace
Age-Friendly Health Systems
An initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement that promotes the nationally recognized 4Ms Framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—to improve healthcare for older adults, including people aging with disabilities.
Learn More: https://www.ihi.org/initiatives/age-friendly-health-systems
Medicare
Information about Medicare coverage, benefits, and resources.
Learn More: https://www.medicare.gov
Medicaid
Information about Medicaid programs and services.
Learn More: https://www.medicaid.gov
End-of-Life Planning, Palliative Care & Grief Supports
Mercy Doula Program – People Inc.
An innovative model supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through serious illness, end-of-life experiences, and grief. The program focuses on honoring individual preferences, supporting communication, strengthening relationships, and helping individuals, families, and support teams navigate end-of-life journeys.
Learn More: https://www.people-inc.org
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
Resources related to hospice, palliative care, and improving access to quality end-of-life supports.
Learn More: https://www.nhpco.org
National POLST
Resources supporting conversations and documentation about medical wishes and treatment preferences.
Learn More: https://polst.org
The Conversation Project
Tools to help individuals and families have conversations about healthcare wishes and future planning.
Learn More: https://theconversationproject.org
Family Caregiver Alliance
Excellent caregiver education, especially around caregiver stress and future planning.
Learn More: https://www.caregiver.org/
Research & Innovation
Administration for Community Living Innovation Resources
Resources highlighting innovative approaches in aging and disability services.
Learn More: https://acl.gov
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities
Research focused on improving health, independence, and quality of life for people aging with developmental disabilities.
Learn More: https://www.aucd.org
Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities
Research and scholarship related to intellectual disability policy, practice, and supports across the lifespan.
Learn More: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17411130
Elderhood: Reconsidering Aging
Humans continue to develop across the lifespan. Tracey Gendron, PhD, coined the term “elder-hood” to help eliminate some of the stigma associated with aging. Consider her arguments in this article.
Learn More: https://generations.asaging.org/elderhood-a-new-vision-for-later-life/
Keep Learning: Create a Playlist
Music serves as an easy and powerful stress reliever, reducing cortisol levels, calming the nervous system, and releasing dopamine and serotonin to uplift mood and promote relaxation, according the National Institutes of Health. Research indicates that choosing your own music can be better at alleviating stress compared to random selections, mainly because it reestablishes a feeling of personal empowerment. Join a virtual class called Playlists 101: Make Your Own Music Mix (20-min class) available through NYS Office for the Aging GetSetUp.
OLD School Hub
Old School works to end ageism by convening people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities who share this goal. We are particularly committed to fostering an inclusive space for historically marginalized groups, and supporting them. We create, curate, and widely disseminate free educational material about ageism and how to undo it. Through community dialogue and innovative collaborations, we raise individual awareness of ageism and inspire collective action to dismantle it in every sphere of life.
Learn More: https://oldschool.info/
Share Your Resources
The NY Alliance Aging + Lifespan Supports Resource Page is intended to grow through collaboration.
We welcome resources from provider organizations, self-advocates, families, researchers, and community partners.
Share a toolkit, training opportunity, webinar, research article, promising practice, or resource that supports people with I/DD across the lifespan.
Contact: Kirsten Sanchirico, Senior Vice President of Social Impact at [email protected]
