HHS Secretary Unites Programs Under Administration for Community Living
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has combined several government organizations for seniors and people with disabilities under a new umbrella—the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The establishment of the new administration coincides with President Obama’s Year of Community Living initiative.
“All Americans—including people with disabilities and seniors—should be able to live at home with the supports they need, participating in communities that value their contributions, rather than in nursing homes or other institutions,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in a statement about ACL.
The new agency, which combines the Administration on Aging, the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the Office on Disability, will increase access to community support and encourage community participation for seniors and people with disabilities, according to Sebelius.
ACL staff are expected to work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop policies to promote independent living.
Although the administration combines several organizations, the following components will retain unique program operations to address the needs of specific populations:
- Office of the Administrator
- Administration on Aging
- Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Center for Disability and Aging Policy
- Center for Management and Budget
Kathy Greenlee, the current assistant secretary for Aging, has been named as the ACL administrator. Henry Claypool, director of the Office on Disability, will serve as principal deputy administrator. Claypool will continue his role as principal advisor to Sebelius on disability policy and serve as a member of her senior staff. Greenlee will also continue her role as assistant secretary for Aging.