The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provided funding to recruit, hire, and train public health workers to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future public health challenges. ARPA directed that funds may be used to offset costs of hiring a range of public health professionals, including but not limited to social support professionals, community health workers, communication and policy experts and “other positions as may be required to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. Administration on Community Living (ACL)’s Expanding the Public Health Workforce within the Aging and Disability Networks program provides funding to help cover the costs of staff to conduct these crucial public health activities.
ATAC has hired an Assistive Technology Social Supports Specialist to provide a wide range of public health services and supports, including culturally affirmative and linguistically accessible information, assistance with accessing vaccines (including boosters) and connecting to other services, transition and diversion from high-risk congregate settings to community living, health and wellness programs, activities that address social isolation and social determinants of health, and other activities that support the public health and wellbeing of older adults and people with disabilities.
Email atac@disabilityrightsnj.org to connect with our staff
Services to support aging in place
The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) 