The National Aging and Disability Information and Referral/Assistance Support Center, administered by ADvancing States with funding provided by the Administration on Aging, within the Administration for Community Living recently released the report, Aging and Disability Information and Referral/Assistance Networks: Challenges and Opportunities. This report documents the findings of a 2012 nationwide, survey of 294 I&R/A workers from state agencies on aging and disability; Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs); Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs); Centers for Independent Living (CILs); 2-1-1s; and other non-profit human service organizations. Several themes emerged from the survey data: Theme 1: Aging and disability networks continue to integrate; Theme 2: The use of technology in I&R/A service delivery has been slow to develop; Theme 3: The role of I&R/A organizations is expanding; and Theme 4: There are opportunities for improved coordination and quality service within I&R/A service delivery.

The report stressed that in a time of ongoing fiscal restraint, integrating and expanding service systems, and evolving technologies, the Aging and Disability I&R/A Network must continue to cultivate partnerships and opportunities that support the organizations' ability to provide person-centered access to I&R/A services. The report also represents a baseline for similar surveys in the future, and an opportunity for the Support Center to engage in increased partnership development with the disability community, 2-1-1s and other providers of I&R/A to older adults and people with disabilities.