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Advisory Commission raises awareness

1/3/2011 6:19:23 AM by Administrator Account

Commission on a Mission by Rick Ryan

At one time or another, we can all use a little advice. Productive discussions among members of an advisory group can often serve as a platform for a fresh focus and creative solutions to the challenges facing their constituents. Since 1977, the Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Aging has been the primary advocacy group that explores the issues of growing older or being an adult with disability in the state. In the true spirit of advocacy, the commission is the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves.

    The commission was created in 1977 under the mandate of both the federal Older Americans Act and Rhode Island law. The commission, which serves as an advisory organization to the governor and the director of the state Department of Elderly Affairs, is comprised of 20 members appointed by the governor for three-year terms. There are 13 consumer representatives, four minority representatives and three representatives from the adults with disabilities community.
   Over the years, the commission has sponsored several annual Rhode Island Conferences on Aging to assure that seniors, adults with disabilities, families and caregivers were aware of the community-based resources that were available to them in the state’s aging services network. That system was designed to support the efforts of seniors and adults with disabilities to live with dignity, independence and safety. The conferences also provided a public forum for aging agency professionals and constituents to network and share ideas.
   As the chairperson for the commission, it is my mission to re-energize the organization and focus our efforts on enhancing the quality of life for seniors and adults with disabilities. As a commission, members support efforts that are designed to ease entry and increase access to the state’s long-term care service network. We support programs that help family caregivers in their day-to-day duties of looking after their loved ones. We will do our best to fulfill our mandate of advice and advocacy.
   Seniors, adults with disabilities, families and caregivers are welcome to contact me at (401) 364-0690 or ryan.sprite-ly.richard@gmail.com with suggestions or ideas for improving the network of support services for the commission’s constituents.

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