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Public Hearing: Aging and Disability Services Area Plan

Every four years, 622 Area Agencies on Aging across the nation prepare a plan that describes their major goals and objectives for the coming four years. Those plans are submitted to the state unit on aging. In turn, the state units submit a plan to the federal Administration on Aging. This process is mandated by the Older Americans Act of 1965.

Aging and Disability Services—a division of the Seattle Human Services Department—is designated by the state as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for King County. On Thursday, July 18, director Cathy Knight and ADS Advisory Council vice-chair Dick Woo will share the agency’s draft objectives for 2020–2023 at an Age Friendly Seattle Coffee Hour in downtown Seattle. The draft objectives describe the agency’s response to emerging issues.

Those who cannot attend can watch the event on Facebook Live (facebook.com/AgeFriendlySeattle) or view it later on YouTube (bit.ly/ADSonYouTube). Comments are encouraged—online and/or via e-mail (AgeFriendly@seattle.gov or AgingInfo@seattle.gov).

A second hearing is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, August 5, at the Sullivan Center at Tukwila Village, 14350 Tukwila International Blvd, Tukwila.

“Area Agencies on Aging help older people and adults with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible and help build a society that values and supports people as they age,” said Knight. “Aging and Disability Services already funds and coordinates a robust network of countywide services and supports, not only for older people and adults with disabilities but caregivers and family members. This public hearing will help us determine if our draft objectives reflect local priorities on issues we anticipate addressing in the next four years.”

Aging and Disability Services receives federal, state, and local resources to help meet the needs of King County’s aging population. Some of the services are provided directly by Aging and Disability Services while others are subcontracted. As the largest Area Agency on Aging among 13 in Washington state, the agency’s services contribute to Washington state’s #1 ranking on the AARP Long-Term Services & Supports State Scorecard.

For more information about Aging and Disability Services, visit www.agingkingcounty.org. Area Plan information is posted under Data & Reports. For questions regarding the plan, e-mail Aging and Disability Services planner Karen Winston at karen.winston@seattle.gov.