This Sunday, June 15, is Father’s Day, a day devoted to honoring our fathers—and our father figures—for the love and support they have given us over the course of our lives. Fittingly, it is also World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a day devoted to raising awareness of a serious world health issue that affects as many as one in ten older Americans.

Twenty-four years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. The law’s passage signaled America’s commitment to achieving equality for all its citizens by providing long overdue protections for people with disabilities.

It's still hard to believe that Robin Williams – beloved comedian, actor, father, and friend – is no longer with us. To the public and even close friends, he appeared to be happy, upbeat and funny, and he was financially stable — all of those things that seem worth living for.

In recent years, the United States has experienced a number of significant natural disasters. Several of these events happened with little or no warning. One key lesson that we have learned from these unfortunate circumstances is to "be prepared," a message that is especially important for older Americans and people with disabilities.

Today, we honor the anniversary of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), the first Federal commitment to create a pathway to safety for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Before FVPSA’s passage on this day in 1984, domestic violence had long been a hidden problem, and survivors often endured abuse in silence because they had nowhere to go.

Today we join communities around the world in observing the International Day of Older Persons.

At the Administration for Community Living (ACL), we recognize the sacrifices caregivers make so the people they love can age with dignity and remain in their homes and communities as long as possible. Caregivers juggle personal and home care, transport their loved ones to medical appointments, and often make tough financial decisions.