As we close out Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we are excited to announce the launch of the website for The Link Center—a new resource that will help open doors to the world of opportunities for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), brain injuries, and/or other cognitive disabilities who also have mental health conditions.

The purpose of the toolkit is to tell NIDILRR's story, including NIDILRR’s history, role, framework, work, publications, and resources. The toolkit is intended to be used as an educational resource for stakeholders who may benefit from learning about NIDILRR and its resources and as a communication tool for stakeholders who want to inform others about NIDILRR’s work and resources.

Yesterday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a proposed rule to ban electrical stimulation devices intended to reduce or stop self-injurious or aggressive behavior. The agency has determined that these devices present an unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury.

ACL’s Commit to Connect initiative, in collaboration with engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults, is launching a call for social engagement innovations. The aim is to identify innovative interventions, programs, and services that are addressing social isolation and loneliness.

This year's theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. Join us in exploring the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place.

The RERC on Technology for People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing will conduct research, development, and evaluation activities toward understanding and optimizing technologies and services used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

ACL has released an Innovations in Nutrition Programs and Services (INNU) cooperative agreement funding opportunity for innovative approaches to enhance the quality, effectiveness, and outcomes of nutrition programs and services in the aging services network through collaboration with senior centers.

Earlier today, Alison Barkoff testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee about the Older Americans Act, the critical importance of its programs and the aging services network that implements its programs, and ACL’s work to strengthen and support both. The OAA was last reauthorized in 2020 and will expire on September 30, 2024.

Every two years, NIDILRR releases this report to provide stakeholders with detailed information on how NIDILRR funding is being used, how NIDILRR research is making a difference, what products are being produced by NIDILRR grants, highlights from former grantees, and how NIDILRR is collaborating across the federal government to achieve its mission.

The RERC on Technologies to Enhance Independence and Community Living Among People with Cognitive Disabilities will conduct research, development, and related activities focused on technologies that support the community living and participation of adults with cognitive disabilities.