John M. Thompson, Ph.D., FAAMA

Executive Director

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Located at the corner of

5th and K Streets, NE

in the former Hayes School

Representatives of the D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA) attended a White House Briefing on the Affordable Care Act that provided details on how this legislation supports the ability of seniors and persons with disabilities to age in place in their own communities.  In panel presentations to more than 100 participants representing government and community advocacy organizations, federal health care policy experts reviewed funding opportunities totaling more than $6 billion provided to state and local governments under the Affordable Care Act.  The funding is made available to provide older persons and persons with disabilities with the choice to live at home with the supports they need rather than having to enter an institution to access support services. Kathy Greenlee, Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging, Administration for Community Living, emphasized the federal government’s commitment to community living to improve the lives of older persons and persons with disabilities, while also reducing costs of unnecessary institutional care.  

“Seniors, Come One Come All” to the Hayes Senior Wellness Center. Enjoy fitness activities, exciting games, hand dancing, and walking clubs that are offered at all senior wellness centers in the District of Columbia.  Unique to this center is a medical model to address the unique preventive health needs of older adults. Come out and join the fun. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.  For more information call 202-727-0357.

The D.C. Office on Aging recently had the privilege of hosting a delegation from Taiwan.  The delegation consisted of elected officials and government representatives who were interested in knowing more about how we provide services to senior citizens in the District of Columbia.  The delegation asked many questions of the DCOA management staff and were very interested in the details of our service delivery. This is one of many opportunities that DCOA has had to share information with representatives from around the world.

The DC Office of Disability Rights (ODR) and the DC Board of Elections and Ethics (BOEE) are looking for DC residents to work on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6th as Voter Accessibility Guides.  Participants must be: 

Participants will provide voting assistance and support at assigned polling locations if needed by people with disabilities. Volunteers will be required to attend a 4-hour training prior to Election Day AND work a 7-hour shift on Election Day. A stipend of $100 will be given upon completion of service.  Mandatory training sessions will be held 441 Fourth Street, NW (Judiciary Square Metro).  Interested persons should contact Jessica Hunt by email at jessica.hunt@dc.gov or by phone at (202) 727-0287.  Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Protect yourself and the ones you love by getting immunized.  If you are covered by Medicare Part B, bring your card with you for a free shot.  If you are not covered by insurance, no problem, you may be immunized at no cost to you.  To find out more information on where seniors can get FREE flu shots in the District of Columbia, call the DCOA Information and Assistance Unit at (202) 724-5626.

District of Columbia residents and consumers with or without a disability are invited to attend this FREE event to share information and valuable resources; build new relationships; participate in activities that are fun, relaxing and empowering!  Featuring: Health & Wellness, Aerobics, Employment Workshops, DC Lottery BINGO, WMATA, Kids Sensory Story-time, Student Programs, DC Government agencies and services and much more. The event will be held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001.