Welcome!

We work in partnership with adults who are aging with disabilities to promote their well-being, community participation, self-determination and leadership.

Silo-Busting Podcast with CAC Director

The Center on Aging and Community’s Director, Dr. Phil Stafford, took part in a Community Matters discussion on Silo-busting. We all tend to create silos in our life - places that are our own domain and from which we rarely like to venture.

Communities also have silos --   many address youth issues and  elder issues separately, and both are separated from issues like housing, transportation, education, and volunteerism. One way to break down community silos might be to focus on building communities for all ages. The podcast is at the bottom of the discussion page and can be downloaded. There are call notes available as well.

Communities for a Lifetime Initiative Moves Forward

With support from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, a new planning grant program was announced on December 9. This program – Communities for a Lifetime – will support three selected Indiana communities with small grants to identify a district, conduct assessments, and engage people of all ages and abilities in creating a more livable environment that supports social, mental and physical health, and independence across the lifespan.

Grantee communities will have approximately 6 months to conduct their planning activities and develop an implementation plan for additional funding from the IHCDA and other potential sources. Eligible projects will include affordable housing, home repair and modification and economic development activities. The Governor’s Planning Council intends to support training for planning advocates among the older adult and disability community.

The Center on Aging and Community has been working to foster this program for several years. Director Phil Stafford and Research Associate Jennie Todd will be providing significant technical assistance to the grantee communities. For more information about the program, write Dr. Stafford at staffor@indiana.edu.

Story Tent on the Go

Our staff have been busy with the Story Tent this year, taking video of people's stories on a wide range of topics including food, senior living, autism and school bullying.

To view the results of our  Story Tent activities, please visit our Video Center for playlists and more information.

ArtsWORK Meetings

ArtsWORK Indiana formed a regional affiliate for South Central Indiana with monthly meetings in Bloomington. Join the group to promote supportive networking and build arts career-related skills. Not only is there the enticement of refreshments at these meetings, but you could make new friends as well!

Bloomington Fiber Artist Martina Celerin spoke at a meeting on "Transitioning into an Art Career", pictured above. Interested in attending a meeting? Visit the ArtsWORK web site for more information.