Advisory group needs to retain advocacy role

The stage is set. We need to prepare.

During the latest session of the General Assembly, legislation was introduced and passed that effectively designated the Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) as a Division of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS). Elderly affairs was established as a cabinet-level department in 1977, under Rhode Island General Law 42-66-1. The DEA is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive system of programs and services for seniors and adults with disabilities. The department is also the state’s single planning and service Area Agency on Aging under the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965.

Under the auspices of the same general law, the Rhode Island Advisory Commission on Aging was also established to advise the governor and DEA director about issues and problems confronting seniors and adults with disabilities. With the advent of the commission, seniors statewide were given a voice and a clear line of communication to the governor and the DEA director.

While the mission and goals of the DEA have not changed in the past year, the members of the advisory commission are concerned about being at the policy table when the issues of growing older or living as an adult with a disability in Rhode Island are being discussed. That type of advocacy is best accomplished at the cabinet-level of state government.

In the fall, members of the commission had the opportunity to meet with Gov. Lincoln Chafee, DHS Director Sandra Powell and DEA Director Catherine Taylor. A policy member of the governor’s staff also attended the meeting at which the commission reiterated its legislative mandates. They are to:
• Advise and inform the governor and/or the director of the DEA on all matters, policies and programs relating to persons 60 and older and adults with disabilities.
• Solicit and gather input to consider in the development, modification and/or delivery of community-based services designed to preserve independence and dignity.
• Support strategies that promote and implement a coordinated system of cost-effective, high quality policies and programs across the continuum of long-term care.
• Promote and encourage advocacy and leadership.
• Support outreach efforts and public forums that enhance awareness of issues facing seniors and adults with disabilities and their families, and caregivers.

For more than 30 years, the Advisory Commission on Aging has been the main voice of its constituents in the halls of the Statehouse and at the DEA. The commission’s tradition and mission continue today.


Rick Ryan is chairman of the Rhode Island Governor’s Advisory Commission on Aging. Contact him at (401) 364-0690 or ryan.spritely.ri-chard@gmail.com.