The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) is working with partner agencies to develop a comprehensive Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) in Delaware. The center is expected to begin operation in September 2010.

Following is a month-by-month summary of the ADRC planning and development activities, with the most recent month listed first. We are making good progress! Please check back regularly for more updates.

August 2010

• Finalized Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with ADRC Lead Partners.
• Planned for Request for Proposals (RFP) pre-bid meeting  for Delaware ADRC Technical Support Services to be held in September 2010.
• Provided  targeted ADRC readiness training for all DSAAPD staff including Excellent Customer Service training. 
• Planned and engaged in targeted multi-media outreach activities to promote the Delaware ADRC.

July 2010

• Released Request for Proposal (RFP) for ADRC Support Services (including Options Counseling, Discharge Planning, and Service System Access).
• Assessed status and finalized plans for Delaware ADRC infrastructure activities, including
  • Call Center equipment, operations, training
  • Website, searchable database, web-portal
  • Data collection, reports, and analysis

June 2010

• Developed MOU's with all ADRC Lead Partners.
• Developed service specifications and RFP for ADRC Support Services.
• Provided  targeted ADRC readiness training for Delaware ADRC Call Center staff and supervisors including a two-day practicum on Excellent Customer Service.

May 2010

• Following House approval, introduced legislation (HB 351) in the Delaware State Senate establishing an ADRC within DSAAPD. This legislation was passed by the Senate.
• Released DSAAPD’s first comprehensive resource directory: Guide to Services for Older Delawareans and Persons with Disabilities in print and electronic formats.
• Continued ADRC infrastructure planning and development efforts, including work on the establishment of an ADRC website and web portal.

April 2010

• Introduced legislation (HB 351) in the Delaware House of Representatives to establish an ADRC within DSAAPD. This legislation was passed by the House.
• Provided ADRC presentations and information sessions to the folowing organizations: Delaware Aging Network; University of Delaware Nursing Department; University of Delaware Academy of Lifelong Learning; Governor's Advisory Council on Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities; and State Legislators.
• Provided targeted cross-training on ADRC plans to all DSAAPD staff at an annual staff meeting.

March 2010

• Conducted ADRC cross-training on computer-based resources
• Defined roles and responsibilities for ADRC staff
• Conducted interviews for ADRC Coordinator position
• Participated in Delaware Lifespan Respite Summit 

February 2010

• Activated ADRC Call Center
• Conducted call center agent and supervisor training
• Attended national ADRC grantee meeting in Alexandria, VA: Changing Systems, Changing Lives
• Participated in technical assistance session on Delaware's ADRC

January 2010

• Conducted a Delaware ADRC Forum and Planning Workshop
• Carried out preparations for the activation of the Delaware ADRC Call Center
• Planned for training events related to the Delaware ADRC
• Developed requirements for the Delaware ADRC web portal 

December 2009

• Conducted ADRC presentations for various community partners and stakeholders statewide
• Planned for ADRC infrastructure development, including call center system, training, and web portal
• Carried out Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Request for Proposals (RFP) research and development activities
• Planned training assessments and cross-training for staff and partners
• Developed training calendar
• Produced outreach/marketing materials for DSAAPD website, Guides to Services, Lifestyles 50+
• Established Delaware ADRC Planning E-mail account
• Initiated plans for Delaware ADRC Project Forum

November 2009

• Conducted ADRC Information Sessions at Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore Open House
• Participated in technical assistance conferences related to the development and operation of ADRC's
• Developed plans for staff and partner participation in technical assistance and training events
• Established a dedicated telephone hotline for Delaware ADRC planning
• Began planning for the establishment of a web-based portal for provider referrals to the ADRC
• Scheduled and planned for public information sessions related to the ADRC

October 2009

• Posted an announcement about the ADRC grant award on DSAAPD's web site
• Held initial planning meetings with the ADRC Advisory Council, the ADRC Lead Partners, and DSAAPD staff
• Initiated the development of ADRC infrastructure, including the procurement of hardware and software for call center
• Began a DSAAPD computer performance review to assess needed system improvements
• Made arrangements for ongoing technical support and training through the ADRC Technical Assistance Exchange

September 2009

• Received notification that DSAAPD had been awarded a three-year grant to develop and implement a statewide ADRC in Delaware 

July 2009

• Prepared and submitted an application to the Administration on Aging for funding for a statewide ADRC
• Coordinated with Lead Partner agencies to design the ADRC structure

January - June 2009

• Worked with a national technical support team to assess readiness and develop plans for Delaware's ADRC